Tony- I’m addicted to your videos! More than half of the units you have reviewed, im not even interested in buying, but i enjoy soaking in your knowledge and humor in the videos. I appreciate the time you take in making all these. Im seeing and hearing things in your videos that i dont see anywhere else.Cheers!
Well thanks for that and its appreciated. The problem is with many that they are often paid to review or are dependent on the income somehow and I guess they don't bite the hands that feed them. But I buy my own gear and have a view of creating a review that tells things ass I see them as a paying customer... just as anyone else is. If the gear is good I say so, if its bad I say so... the difference is often a maker that cares or who does not care. Say no more!... thanks.
I couldn't care less what is used inside, it is the tone and feel that matter. Never tried fractal stuff, owned Helix LT (sold quick) and a Kemper (sold unfortunately), but I can't understand your praise of Helix, it just sound and feels horrid, completely sterile and uninspiring. Kemper was amazing, had to sell it unfortunately because of financial reasons. I am now deciding between Kemper and Axe FX III. What I miss out of this review is the quality of amp sims and effects and overall tone and feel review. Otherwise I greatly appreciate your very detailed review, just remember, it is the tone and feel that matters, not the tech inside it.
Unfortunately then you did not see the original review that covered aspects of playing by three different musicians. I would also be very careful when you're basically considering a computer (that's what they all are) and might not consider important aspects of hardware that will undoubtedly affect what you can do with the unit. I have yet to see ANY simulator that does not have limitations on the number of block processing that can and will limit what you can do with it? I have a Kemper and that is the most authentic sounding in my opinion but personally I think you're a little unfair regarding the Helix gear. I have used basically all simulators and have yet to find a single unit that can provide to you the things you mentioned. Not one of them ever 'feels' like the real deal amp. And neither do they sound the same? Take the 1959HW amp I recently bought. I had those in the early 70's and thought I would 'give one a go' just to see what I was missing from those originals. Seriously, I was shocked. That 1959HW with a Marshall cab (and I might add a reactive load) is second to nothing and not a single simulator (no matter how they all whine on that they are) sounds and feels like that setup. BTW on the Helix I have (like I would have on any of them) the amp simulations will be firmly turned off and a real tube amp will be on the output side of things. I don't make my reviews in this way of showing the internals for nothing. Sure it CAN be boring I know, but it shows a side of equipment that many manufacturers don't always like customers to see. Longevity of what's inside matters in so many ways, because once the components come to an end from the manufacturer - so does your use of the product once it fails and you can't get parts. Likewise warranty discussions, safety in the form of approvals and of course price ratio in comparison to other similar gear. I have always thought it ALL matters. Think like this, you're considering a Kemper (which I do like the sound of) that has used basically the same components since around the end of 2011. How long do you really think that product will continue? I'm not really 'knocking' Kemper for that btw but what if you bought one and three months after yours became obsolete and there was a nice new shiny unit for the price you paid but it does ten times more? I could guess that the hardware would then be a major frustration - it certainly would for me. Obviously every buyer of gear has to make up their own mind about equipment, but I try and offer in my videos information that then allows guys to make informed decisions rather that looking at some black box and buying it because it looks good. You have a really good number of points there in your post and its why I have spent time offering a reply based on my own experience over the years... Hope you don't mind... and stay safe!
I personally on the other hand don't understand how people can't get a good sound out of the Helix... been using it for 3 years now, and I love the thing more every day. And also compared it to the Kemper Stage the other guitarist/singer in my band has, and having played through it and together with him, I liked my Helix sound way better, maybe it's because he just got his and I spend 3 years perfecting my presets, or maybe we just all experience stuff differently
I always think that guys hear different things with gear. Some of these simulators I dislike - even the GT-1000 for me was honestly horrible. But other gear in the simulator sector I like admittedly some more than others, but clearly there must be something going on. Others tell me just how 'great' gear like the GT-1000 really is... they like it and I don't. But there are also a lot of variables with simulated gear and how you use it... like IR's or real speakers and amp, some of it is complex (too complex) and in reality some of it will actually sound not so good to many guys. As long as it sounds (and feels) right to you and can create the ability for inspiration then that's probably the right one. I still prefer tube amps, but the Helix with 4CM and thorough the amp sounds pretty OK. But there again I don't use the amp sims much. Thanks and stay safe.
Tony, although I'm not agreed entirely with your review of this product, I do celebrate your independent and courageous way of doing things. You are a valuable asset to this community. My respects Sir.
Well I get that, we can't all agree with everything all the time and some of this stuff is very subjective. But I really appreciate those kind words and thanks. Thanks for watching too.
Thanks for letting me know... and which other units have you owned? Quad Cortex? Helix? Roland? Hotone? There are so many these days... thanks for watching Robert...
*That's why Fractal also made the AX8, and now the FM3.* Perhaps you can review a 64 channel professional mixing board and criticize IT for not being less complex for teenagers? The Chase Bliss Automatone is $749 for an analog preamp pedal. Now compare THAT to the AF3. Nonetheless, it can not take into account the countless thousands of hours, years, in fact put into CREATING THE CODE to make this collection of components become a musical instrument. The AF3 is very complex. It is a piece of pro gear, and it is advertised as such. These aren't sold at Guitar Center. They aren't pushed toward teenagers or even weekend warriors. With that complexity comes the ability to create or emulate any imaginable sound and feel. It is right on the edge of options paralysis, but it doesn't have to be. You can use presets, download free ones, or even buy them. I spent almost two weeks going through the factory presets, before I even attempted to create my own presets. I can't predict the future. However, I own the Axe Fx 3, and to say I'm blown away by it would be an understatement. I am confident that as it stands today, even with no more firmware updates, I have no reason to ever buy another guitar amp or cab again. I am out of the market, and that feels great. The same goes for effects. I am out of the pedal market. The AF3 provides it all. Paired with an FRFR speaker, anyone can have a POWERFUL, LOUD live rig they can carry with 2 hands with a guitar on their back. Or go direct to FoH and only make one trip from the car to the stage. Modern players aren't going from guitar -> amp. Effects and pedalboards are a major part of modern music. If there are some old schoolers doing the straight to the amp thing, this isn't for them.
A 64 channel professional mixing board is not designed for ordinary people. The FX III is complex for everyone? and unfortunately the majority of buyers (just a guess of course) are not professionals. It's either a 'professional unit' or it is not. If it is, then they should maybe aim sales toward 'professionals only' and if it's not, then it should be easier to use like it's other competition in that sector. It was not a 'criticism' but more so a fact. Check it yourself. Look, tones are a personal thing and what one guy loves the next might not. You clearly like the FX III. Nothing wrong with that. And there's nothing wrong with my opinion either? I am entitled to that just as much as you are? They are both valid views. I love btw how you state categorically that 'modern players' aren't going from guitar to amp. That is actually a subjective statement that you cannot possibly have known the answer to, unless you have carried out extensive work on the general guitar community. If you have, please show it! I would love to see that. In the sector where this unit sells these days it's VERY crowded and I can predict that the pricing factor alone for many competitive products will ensure that some of the biggest brands out there like Line6 and Roland (whether we like them or not) will absolutely drive the market accordingly. It's no longer 2011. The discussion about weight crops up from time to time and it is valid as you say, especially for PRO players. But ordinary guys? Less so. Thanks for the post and you cover a few interesting points of course which some guys will agree with and some not. Read the posts on here and you will get a wider opinion. Stay safe!
The best thing about the Fractal Audio is that it sounds and feels absolutely phenomenal. The tone has a very transparent dynamic response and also brings out the guitar sound forward. And also the simple layout of the Fractal sounds fantastic. The helix is very difficult to shape in terms of sound. And doesn’t feel good to play with. With fractal I feel more comfortable and confident
I understand your comments, but it's all subjective stuff really, and while one guy might like Fractal Audio gear, another one might well like Line6 instead. It's all relative of course, but I found the support with Line6 Helix substantially better than that from Fractal Audio... but thanks for posting this comment and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I am sure that the Line6 are gonna do much better in the upcoming days. Yeah the coolest thing on helix I liked was assigning the snapshots that has a seamless switching, The touch Sensitivity knob and the colors. ❤❤❤
A very informative and indeed, 'philosophical' review. I have had all of the top modellers over the past several years; Axe FX2, Helix, and finally The Kemper. My preference was the 'Kemper'. As you mention (and I'm in that 'older' crowd) infinite tweaking/ learning curve, which I had no issue with. This old bloke is very tech savvy. However, as much as I am conversant and able to use all these wonders of technology, somewhere along the line I got very tired of it all. In the early days of the lockdown saga, I went back to using a Marshall JCM 2000 DSL in the house, along with a simple Boss ME25 for effects. The rediscovered process of using this simple act of an amp and effects was a new found joy. I have since sold the Kemper, and re-embraced the basics. I am much happier having gone back old school. My last recent recording was just my Marshall and a Les Paul. It does not get more basic than that. :) I have no issues with people who want to use modellers, but I think a lot of things in life go 'full circle', and that's what have done, and happier for it. No more tweaking... :) Keep on doing what you do so well, Tony. Regards, Mr Basic, in Liverpool.
Liam this is a very interesting post. I own a Kemper too. But do I use it? Not really. I come from technology since 1981 and could spend the time learning the technicalities of any of the products but I don't. You struck a chord in your post and I'll tell you exactly what it was because I too have been there. Some months ago (its all on my channel) I bought a Marshall 1959HW (basically a sort of reissue 67 plexi) amplifier. Why? Because all those years ago in the early 70's I had a plexi. I have so many amps in my studio there is basically 'almost' every flavour of amp., including amps that 'claim' the plexi crown but they are Not Marshall made. I plugged in that 1959HW, cranked it with a 4x12 Marshall cab and while it was exceptionally loud as they always were, for the first time in many tens of years there was the absolutely perfect sound (and importantly feel). You might know I bought a Tube Amp Expander from Roland - it was actually specifically for that amp. When I used the TAE with that amp I can honestly say there is nothing in my studio that really comes that near (with one other Marshall I could mention). That is similar to your track. It is so easy to 'forget' the origins of these tones we have all heard, and if like me you used to play through one, you 'forget' exactly what it was like. It is a complete eye opener in so many ways. NO SIMULATED amp comes near from any of the makers. They all say that theirs is as good in general, but I really don't think so. You turn on, plug in, flip the standby and you are playing... 30 seconds tops and nothing to 'mess with'. And that is simply something that very many guys have either never done as I described, or have no way of ever using that gear (and I can understand that). Even those little SC20 limited amps I just reviewed have the same effect... it's just so different. I recently bought a Helix rack purely for effects and control of I/O and amp control which it does very well and easily. Is it a 'pro' rig like the unit reviewed here? Well, it certainly could be used that way. But what a great point you made about getting back to basics. One last thing, the 'feel' when you play through a real amp is actually inspiring in a way that none of the simulators quite do either... just something many don't talk about. In any case thanks for the post... good stuff. And stay safe.
Can't get them here for that! So how many simulators have you owned? I have owned most and tried the rest. For actual amp sounds I think the Kemper is best. I ended up with a Helix rack simply because I want it for effects and I/O and have no real personal interest in the simulated amps - I have the real amps which are better sounding than any simulator to be honest. Clearly different guys like different things though and no problem with that. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial had the kemper, the problem I had with it is the high end was always exactly the same profile to profile. You can see it if you look that the eq curve.. and the dynamics were stale, it didn't react like an amp does, when you do bends the notes get thin.
My favorite amps are my KSR Artemis and KSR Juno. You should check them out. Also love my RK II, JVM and Triamp MKIII. I've had the VH4 and Ecstasy, those were great.
I don't think any simulator 'feels' the same as the real deal amps when you play though them. Somehow the tube amps are more inspiring. I can't really put my finger on why, except that I bought a 1959HW Marshall not too long ago (like I used in the early 70's). And you know what, plugging in that amp, and playing it (it was loud but later quashed down with reactive load) I can honestly say that it reopened my eyes a whole lot compared to every other amp I own and I own a lot of them. But that changed my point of view really back towards thinking about keeping stuff simpler than I was letting it slide towards slowly. My Kemper has dust on it... but for me it sounded the best simulator. I don't really use the amp sims any more myself and the units tend to have more use as effects, I/O and control devices than they ever would when you have a pile of real tube stuff.
Oh I don't really know the KSR stuff... but I'll take a look. You sound like me in many ways, RKII still got, JVM (satch version) recently bought again and Triamp III I did have but sold later - heavy indeed!. But at one stage ch 3 vintage has been a fave channel on the RK II for years. I'm slowly rotating around other stuff. The Diezel Hagen is a very good rock/metal amp with a pretty unique tone. Thanks....
Indeed... and honestly I have been told that a number of times :). I think that's a very kind statement and thank you - its appreciated. Stay safe out there... and thanks fore watching.
Great review as always Tony, thank you! It still baffles me that people take fair criticism of a product personally. If the complexity and uses, for you, are not worth the price why not call that out as you did? If you want/need all of that complexity and flexibility then assume you are going to get better value out of the AF3. It is information and opinion, not an assault on someones value set. I wonder if some paid for a unit, saw the review and then simply wanted to justify their purchase. This is coming from a guy who bought the AF3 after watching your review and appreciated that I knew exactly what I was getting. If the value, which is really the heart of your concern, isn't there for some then there are other great options. For me, this unit met my "wants" but will exceed my needs. I know it and that's okay. Thanks for the honest opinion and detailed review. You are an educator, not an "influencer," and have my respect for it!
HI Ed, you put things the right way around in my opinion. Some people can be nasty... and generally for no real reason - my opinion as theirs is simply an opinion. It's just that they tend not to create any kind of content to show what they believe... and that's OK I understand how hard it all is to even do. For the simulator market today there are so many choices the differences are at best 'blurred' and at worst incomprehensible to the casual new buyer or someone that comes from amps. Thanks it is appreciated.
This has well over 40 minutes of other information edited out. Just think about some of the things that information covered... but this video still shows the points in general... Have a beer for me :) Stay safe.
When I plan to purchase any product, I research many reviews and look at all specs beforehand. Especially expensive products. I always watch your reviews along with the others. I know you will dissect the item and give a detailed analysis of the components inside. That's something I wouldn't even do after I bought the product because of warranty issues. I also know most, if not all, of the other reviews are biased for certain reasons, mostly because they receive the item for free, greatly discounted or monetary. Keep these reviews coming.
That’s true, but nothing sounds & feels better than the tube amp unit you sold. I played so much guitar before I got this god damn thing. I had to sell it after a few months cuz what a waste of my precious time to not get a great feeling experience playing. It wasn’t worth the investment for me. Sound was great, feel was .. lacking.
Highly subjective….for playing out, I use a ‘78 JMP mkii and a Bogner uberschall and will never use a modeler….however at home I do like to play with them and it is a lot of fun. I can get killer tones out of a $125 Zoom Ms50g….the Krank rev model in that little turd pedal melts my brain how good it sounds and I have the real thing right in the same cab….I a/b and I love the sound and feel of the zoom…it certainly is not exactly the same as the real tube amp but it sounds and feels scarily close to as good but a little different. Been consistently playing since 1976 and I really despise modelers and will never use them for a gig…..but I know I don’t need to spend $2k+ to get very useable and fun sounds that feel great.
People complain about how candid you are in this review, I absolutely love it. I want to hear the downsides and real talk on every product. I want to buy a unit and know its warts. Sure the helix and others have warts too, but a review should be unapologetic. You shouldn’t pull punches on a unit because it’s competitors share those problems as well.
Well some don't like to hear the less than good points of gear. They are either biased or are 'fan boys'. The problem is, if the product (whatever it is) was good then I would say so. I have no bias, I buy the gear myself and I tell what I find. Like you, I think that it DOES matter what is not so great, it DOES matter if the insides is a bodge, and it DOES matter about warranty. Lastly my experience as a paying customer shows what another customer might be treated like. As far as people that dislike the contents? If they don't like it they should not watch... maybe my videos for those types need an R or '18' rating ;-) Thanks.
Love your reviews Tony, Keep em coming! You're the only one taking the time to really dig to the bottom of the gear and not just the fancy outsides. If it can't keep performing or is destined to fail it's often not worth the trouble or money and the best way to get a sense of it's longevity is to open it up and see how and what it's made of.
Well I learned a long time ago that what's inside any product tells a lot about the longevity of the product, its general quality and often can give at least a small suggestion of cost price. It can also tell you if its safe. Over the years I have seen some really bad products that were shipped to me when I bought them for review. The Axe-FX III here under review has NOTHING compared to the worst one I have been sold and it was big money for what it was. Indeed it was a tube amp from a brand that you would not expect it from reputation. It was NOT Marshall. But I won't disclose it because I am sure that the video about it would shock many guys ha in more ways than one! Thanks for watching and stay safe.
I bought a used FM3 recently, and the value proposition is there for me with that unit. I plan to sell off most of my pedals, which will more than cover the cost of the FM3. I run into a pair of EL34 combos that I already had, so no additional cost in that respect. I save floor space, weight, money, and gain versatility for recording and live performance. Regarding the pricing, you are not paying for a box full of components. What you are paying for is the years of engineering and development that has gone into the Fractal products. I do think the value proposition is in the FM3/9. (the FM9 wait times support this theory) Considering that a hand-wired amp can cost $3K USD, the AxeIII is certainly expensive, but so are other premium pieces of music gear. I did appreciate the look inside!
Well I get the point of course. Back when I looked at the Axe-FX II and later the III those were expensive products no doubt. More expensive here in the UK than the USA, where FA offered discounts etc. but not so for the UK. Ultimately I bought a Helix (still have it - rack) for about £800 at the time and that was literally 1/3 the price of the FX III. For me there was really no advantage and the Helix also has sw upgrades etc. but without the aggro of the FA forums that are pretty notorious for being let's say generally anti-social especially if your opinion differs. Helix forums are very different than that. So for me the Helix was just as suitable. Some might argue, but it works for me. I have been in technology since 1981 and know much about development costs and software, but I also have much experience with hardware especially from the Far East, which that equipment came from when I looked at the FXIII at the time. FA never seemed to mention any of that. But it's all irrelevant really these days, there are so many digital boxes around (even Fender is in on the act so to speak) that the very expensive units like the FX III will likely be suffering somewhat in the respect of any real volume sales, probably why they have the 'cheaper' units out these days. I would like to see an updated Helix myself (on the hardware side of things) or Kemper that I reviewed back in January 2012! And it still rolls on :) On amps of course you CAN pick up a tube amp this side of £600 in the UK at least that will give EVERY digital device a run for its money with REAL tones and that 'feel' that is generally missing from the digital stuff IMO. Thanks for the post, you covered quite a few things there and always interesting to read those sort of posts as they can reflect many opinions. Always worth reading IMO. And thanks for watching - most of my reviews (over 400) are similarly created and some of the tube amps are worth a look too. Thanks for taking the time.
For me the problem is the price. I don't mind the complexity of the fractal and I like that you can get to great tones quicker than you can with helix. But i got a helix for $900 on ebay. The reality is, no matter how good you are with either unit, your sound will be limited by your own ability to use the unit rather than its capabilities. Both of these units are capable of sounding better than any of us are going to be able to dial them in to sound. The helix takes longer to both learn and to dial in to get to the quality of sound at the peak of my ability than the fractal does, but anyone who thinks the helix can't do it just hasn't spent enough time with a helix. And if we're being honest with ourselves, our playing is a bigger hindrance to our sound than our gear is. To me it's worth the $1200 I save going with a helix vs an axe fx III. But I absolutely understand why that's not worth it to others.
This is a very good point. And for me the price was also taken in to account when I bought a Helix Rack and floor controller. Helix I found myself to be certainly less difficult than the Axe-FX III and honestly I don't use 1000 tones or presets a day so for me its a good mix. I also often use the real amp for tones on a JVM410HJS with 4CM and that can be an incredible setup. Thanks for the post and those other points you raised about ability and much more are equally very valid. Thanks for watching.
Many good and valid points- I appreciate the detail but at some points it's analysis paralysis. The bottom line is if you want and can afford the best (of what is available today), there is one clear choice. Nothing else on the market compares, period. That said, many people are waiting for a new version that sits between the FM3 and the Axe FX III and comes with at least six (6) onboard foot switches. As you pointed out, if they want to sell to the masses, make a unit that is slightly less complex, yet more powerful than the FM3, bump up the warranty and include 6+ foot switches.
I think you're right on the paralysis! By the time you actually 'get it' on the Axe-FX III then it is most likely months down the road from where I was looking. Every maker (or fan) will 'stand behind' their favourite product and won't generally be shaken by anything or anyone. And I get that. I have experience of the Kemper since 2011, The Helix five years ago and currently, and of course amblings on the other brands of all similar units out there. Kemper started out being incredibly good at launch (all brands were far from perfect). It sounded the best I think in 2011. Some will disagree. But the Kemper, like the Axe-FX (you put the version here) or any of the other multitudes of simulators out there all keep 'updating' about every 1-3 months the OS (some call it firmware etc.). And bear in mind that since the earliest versions of ALL these products they have ALL degraded in one way. Complexity increases for every single release of firmware from every one of them (including the Helix). Clearly all of these companies are now making 'lower level' devices as you also confirm and that allows the technology to be available to mere mortals :) at a price that is affordable to ordinary guys. It's inevitable. Technology as it ages always gets cheaper. For me the Helix won because it offered (compared to the FX III) simpler usability, overall control as a rack master switch and still with many great sounds for what was a steal (Just £875.00 - probably about $1050) from a special offer discount voucher. All of it is 'horses for courses' I guess and whatever works best for specific situations is probably the 'right' gear for that situation and users temperament. I'm not entirely convinced myself about the Axe-FX stuff as I have pointed out, but there is no doubt that it sells, and lower priced gear by them will of course sell higher volumes. I guess competing with £875.00 for what I got for that money is a target that should have FA equipment within that sector. But they are up against Yamaha... nevertheless there IS a place for that gear. Thanks for watching and I hope you found the video interesting. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks and yes, very interesting video. Glad you like the Helix- good unit for sure- tried it and it's nice but it's definitely no AFIII. Sure, usability is important but once someone dials in the tones they want (or simply buys pre-made patches), they can simply toggle a foot switch and be done. For those who want to experiment, or pro's, the options are endless. Ultimately, if the priority is a quest for tone and the user has some ability to navigate the settings, outside of using various tube amps, it's hard to be the Axe-FX III.
Actually I recently finished the integration of the Helix rack in to my Marshall rig (4 cable method), turned off the amp and used a preamp, used a regular speaker for the direct recording rather than the IR's everyone spurts on about and I have to say that using the gear in this way then it is very useable. For me, using the amp simulators typically on most of them pales in comparison to the very same amp sitting right next to the simulator in the same room. This way, I think it's a benefit by using the equipment as I am because I can achieve a far better tome (to my ears) than any other way whether I followed manuals, watched videos, messed about... you name it. Ultimately I guess that's as far as I will go, but the snapshots become useful really as a 'control centre' for the particular rig and the effects, tones, I/O etc. that I need. I guess I am spoiled with the tube amps I have at hand but it does go to show that even guys with tube amps CAN make use of equipment with similar features whatever brand they might choose. I'll be making a video showing the stuff I have completed as a follow on to setting up the Helix in a rack (part one is on my channel) which should be interesting to some that have not gone down that road. Currently have wrist problems and other stuff, but it will get there eventually. Thanks... and stay safe... seems lockdown will be coming back to the UK :(
A very good and honest review... I completely understand and agree with the cost vs complexity vs benefits analysis. Thank you for such an informed analysis. I have an original standard, and these are the very many reasons why I have not changed. I use mine as a preamp and effects processor, leaving the power amp section to my Mesa 20/20 and the impulse response section to my dual two notes torpedo lives. With the setup, I can get just about any tone I need, rather quickly. and then unit, in its inception was built so well, I've not broken down, ever. It was a fairly fair price back then, but has just become more obnoxious in both price and complexity. I want to spend my time playing the instrument, not fiddling with knobs.
It's nice to know you have a unit whatever its age. Your points are similar in some ways to mine and guess what, I use the Helix really similarly to what you do with your fx unit. I prefer real amp tones and 4cm etc, but direct out or mic recording works well for me. I created a different video showing my older rack too and how I updated it all to the newer stuff. That might be worth watching and I'll be creating another video presently on that showing how I finished that all off. It worked well for me, but guys are different of course. I'm sure your fx will have given you good results and that's what really matters of course. There are some that come and criticize etc. but my video was never really about that sort of thing, it was a review completed as best I could but maybe for some guys it did not say what they wanted to hear. In any case thanks for the comments - greatly appreciated. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I got my sound premix before mains, but basically using a stereo radial for out to FOH sharing the out to my personal monitors. Works amazing!!!
So am I... the fact is that these days there are so many changes to UA-cam and I'm sure they don't particularly help. It is what it is though and as long as I enjoy making the stuff I'll probably continue. Thanks and stay safe.
Never really got along with my Helix.....for myriad reasons; sold that puppy at a epic loss. Liked my MooerGE300 MUCH more (super under rated pedal). Bought a FXIII and REALLY like it. Frankly, it's on a completely different level than Helix IMHO.
I still have my Helix rack... which works fine for me. I also am currently reviewing the POD GO which is interesting. But not as interesting as the GE300 which I also have for my review after - a nicer pedal for sure even after using it for ten minutes. I think that the FXIII was overly complex for the majority of users and I said so. That does suit some people of course, but the FXIII is one end of the sector and the POD GO is at the other. There are plenty of products in between that all compete and let's not forget Kemper which I have also owned since 2012 which is a great sounding device too. Personally though, when I remove all the cr*p like reverb, echo and all the other effects from most of these type of devices I am often (read always) left with a sterile tone that is basically as bad as it sounds - like the emperors new clothes.. take off the effects and it is all laid bare. Thats where the real tube amps win hands down I reckon, and of course building up a great base sound makes the real deal tube amps sound just better. But that's just an opinion and mine is no more right or wrong than the next guys... except I have had a bit of practise with simulators for a very long time. Thanks fore posting your opinion too - its alsways good to get the opinion of real owners of the gear... and stay safe.
I went to the John Petrucci camp in 2023. For his rig, yes, he uses his JPIIC amp and then AXE FX for FX ONLY! Live, he uses TWO JPIIC amps for stereo.
While I agree with most of what you are saying and you have done the best review I've ever watched. In terms of value, for the price of one of your high end amps you can buy a unit that has any amp and any effect and higher audio quality that you can find. The difference between the Boss Gt1000 and said unit is that some one had to create all of those amp models and ir's and presets. Compared to gt1000 having 5 basic models and YOU have to do the work yourself. Studios would love the unit. So much cheaper than a bunch of real amps. I'm 59 by the way. Cheers Tony!
Thanks for your balanced comments.. appreciated. I am not perfect of course and this is just my take on the equipment whether right wrong or indifferent. I understand your points re 'amps' in the unit, but I also have a Kemper amp that was the first to 'profile' guitar amps and remains the best in the world regarding profiled amps - any amps! That unit is exacting in its level of simulation from the real amps. The Boss GT-1000 is in my opinion inferior to either this product or the Kemper, or the Line6 Helix, but again it's just an opinion from having experience with them all. I won't disagree that 'some' studios will get along fine with this unit probably more so than individuals who are I guess the majority of buyers. The Kemper is cheaper than the FX-III here in the UK and the profiling is better. But this product does have it's place... people do buy it. But I opted for the Helix simply because I bought it for about £870 and it does exactly what I want without spending too much time messing about with parameters that probably only Einstein could work on competitive products. The Kemper - also has 'mutated' from the much simpler product that it was in January 2012 when I bought it. Today, that also has so much 'in the menu's and well hidden that it detracts from the use IMO. The Helix rack was much simpler and because I use real amps anyway the simulations in any of them in general are not of great importance to me. Thanks for watching Peter and you raised fair points of course. Stay safe.
Hi Tony - You got a great deal on your Helix Rack and I understand how you're going to use it mostly for effect. I still love my "Dream Rig" of a Variax, Helix and PowerCab. Personal preference to hauling around one of my 60-70lb Tube amps. Stay well and safe my friend. All my best- Doc
I think I mentioned I got your pics fine... all good stuff Lonny and thanks for those really appreciated. Yes the Helix is really an effects and I/O unit for me for my tube amps. It's a good choice especially for the price. Here's how I got it... I used to buy from a company called BAX shop (somewhere in Europe), but had not done for some time. A few months ago I received a card in the post from them wanting me to buy from them and offering 15% discount if I did. I was mulling over the Helix rack and wanted that for the reasons I said above. So off I went and just searched for a Helix rack online through all the usual suspects. BAX were the lowest I could find from any company. So off I went to their site. By the time I added the voucher from the unit, including post and including 20% tax I paid £874.65 pence. Take off the Tax and convert to $ USA and I can guess its a good price but have not checked the street price in the USA for a while. In any case it was the bargain of the time for sure and I was surprised the 15% discount worked but it did! So anyone reading this, if you get the voucher (it was not solicited by me in any way) then check them out. Yes I get the 'hauling around' of the tube amps. There are a couple in the studio that thankfully I don't lug anywhere any more (50LBS+) and it does not sound heavy until you start to get older and OMG I can't do that any more. Yes stay safe there Lonny I watch the USA and virus stuff for the USA a lot (I have work contacts in the USA) and always think about everyone. Its a really sad situation. Thanks.
If you ask Tony to answer a question- You could at least acknowledge the time and consideration he put into answering you by giving a thumbs up under his response.
Billy that's the way some people are these days. Generally seems anything relating to axe-fx somehow. Some of the comments I have not allowed on here - they are basically rude and un-objective just because they can... anyway thanks for your support. Stay safe.
Tone is a very personal thing, what I hear and what I consider a "good" sound is probably quite different to the guy standing next to me. I bought a Helix and a load of fancy IR's...spent 4 days playing with presets..in the end I had 1 clean, 1 crunch and 2 leads..basically all the same amp with just with more gain and more reverb! Just wasn't for me, I'm a tube amp guy, no need to break out my phone, ipad or laptop to change the settings on them..just turn a knob! and now connected through the OX...im set for a live rig, practice rig, wet/dry set up and recording. I appreciate your videos and no BS approach Tony! YNWA
I agree... tone is hard to define - we're all different. The trick for me with the Helix, is really (while the amps are interesting to mess around with) to use a real tube amp in the helix audio path. That immediately solves the amp sounds for me (may or not for others as you say) and I can use the effects to great advantage really. And the I/O and control are all there. My rack as you saw was very old, not useless by any means, but I wanted to get everything as much as possible to a different solution. With the Helix costing me £875.00 ($1050) including 20% tax I think I had a winner. You are right on the assessment of the simulators (and I don't believe any one brand in this) as generally you WILL end up with a 4 channel amp... that might sound good (or not) and there seems little else to gain. But that's not entirely correct IMO. Here's why. I gained multitudes of effects that otherwise would undoubtedly cost me more than the Helix rack, I gained the control of the whole rig, I gained the I/O system that I did not have as flexible. I also gained the 'programmability' of the effects if I want that (as it happens I don't) and overall that is a big plus. I could not have achieved the same on ANY other simulator for that money no question currently. The OX gear is good gear. Hey, I too am a tube amp guy and would NEVER suggest (just an opinion) that any simulator I have ever tried to date (near enough them all) comes to the same level for inspiration and tones, but also importantly feel of the tube stuff. Tubes are still there to stay. But using the Helix as I have only enhances what I already have (over 20 tube amps and counting) and I don't need pedals really. Your setup is great too and I 'get that' for sure. Would I use the Helix (or any other simulator) as a main amp? Probably not. Nearest I got to the best tones out of any of them as a simulator was the Kemper, but that now is becoming a dinosaur in time where computer technology is concerned. Its like using an old Apple I. Great comment and thanks for that... and stay safe.
Thanks for bringing this one back. I saw the original one as well. Always entertaining and informative. I love tube amps , always will. I'm a Marshall guy just like you. So yes, I've got everything from vintage jmp, jtm, jcm, Fender, to the sv20h, etc. As well as Mesa mk v, Top Hat, Matchless, Vox, yep I currently own them all. Not to mention hundreds of boutique pedals. To say I'm a gear junkie is putting it mildly.🤣 Having said that. I also own the axe II and III. They're great for that "Everything in a small lightweight portable package" type of gear. I always use them when on tour. Makes things much easier and consistent. As much as I love my tube amps, my axes are great fun too and have their place. Keep the vids coming Tony, and thank you!
You will know the differences on this one then. Quite a few. Well there is no (or far less) lugging gear when you use any type of simulator system and that's a great advantage. I also consider the I/O and switching to be extremely important especially in a rack system. If you saw my rack build pt1 you will see the gear coming out - and that actually does more from 95 than all of these today re switching and loops etc. The tube stuff I will always have really as the sounds are so instant and have that 'feel' that NONE of the simulators I ever tried give... it is just different. Remember this, I probably like you in many ways... but even I have bought a simulator, in my case the Helix, but what it is does not really matter. It's the fact that I bought one to use rather than just review. So I have a real reason for one. For me its the effects, the I/O and the switching linked to the price I paid... and simplicity that made my choice and I know that there is really nothing out there equivalent. They all have plusses and minuses, its all about what the buyer wants out of the simulator... notice I'm not really using amp sims? Suits me best in my environment. Great points and thanks for posting them. Stay safe.
As an engineer I can assure you, all digital products come down to the firmware/software engineering, processors are jellybean parts. It’s the code that makes the product. It looks like every other professional piece of gear I’ve ever seen. It’s performance is on par with it’s price. It’s the highest of the high end. I own a Helix and wish I had the AxeFx, because honestly I’m a little frustrated with the line 6 software. Many products are built like the AxeFx 3 and they aren’t 2 thousand dollars, they are closer to six or eight thousand, so fractal is selling quite a few to get the cost down to only two grand.... Sure you could buy all the parts for 3 or 4 hundred and assemble them yourself, but then you’ll need a hire a few software engineers for a few years to make it actually do anything at all. When your done paying them a couple million you’ll most likely have something that’s inferior to the comparably cheap fractal. Because they were able to make the top of the line product with what seems like so little proves they have incredibly smart engineers at fractal... better than any other company that’s trying and failing to complete with them... If you want to knock a company for overpriced gear I’d take a look at AVID, their stuff is 10 times the price, your looking at a hundred thousand easy to buy into their gear... $4,000.00 for their latest piece that’s built pretty much the Axe3 and you need $10,000,00 in software to actually run it... so the Axe3 is pretty cheap no? It’s not a consumer product, look at their customers, it’s almost 100% big name bands and touring artists, professional recording studios etc...
Thanks for the info. Strangely in 2012 Fractal Audio mouthed off greatly about their 'SHARC' processors and how their equipment was far superior and using processors that cost 'hundreds' each. Of course it was in my opinion a load of twaddle, but that's the way they were. The software is most likely a derivative of the same stuff from launch years ago and in that respect I guess that the costs are rather different than writing it all again from scratch. I have a Kemper and a Helix and I like both better than the Fractal III simply because of the over complexity of the fractal unit. And I said so. Sounds? I'm more than happy with the Kemper and the Helix uses a real tube amp and not simulations offering me a real tube sound rather than some simulation from ANY company that frankly are shadows of real tube amps. It's clear you like this product and that's fine... I have no problems with that, but unfortunately most people have a good idea of costs and yours seem from another plateau. Where I come from Chinese products are far cheaper - as is software development for that matter. Thanks for the post nevertheless because it does show an opinion contrary to what I found when I reviewed this product. Sounds? No better than Kemper. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I don’t believe I said that it did, just referencing the Sharc processor in general as your comment refers to them, the cortex uses 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC DSP
Always enjoy your reviews. Thank you. Had the AXE III, had the Kemper Powerhead and I have the Helix. All had strong pluses and minuses. I have kept the Helix and have also bought a Stomp.
Thanks Bill. They are all different really in a number of ways I agree. I own a Kemper since 2011 (or early 2012) and there was no doubt that unit had/has the best tones for amp sims (of course that's always a subjective point), but today that Kemper gathers dust really. I bought the Helix rack as an effects and I/O unit and disregard the amp sims completely really. The axe-FX a friend loaned me but I could not see myself spending the time alone on that - Ha I wont put the time behind the Kemper! The Helix? I got that at a great price brand new and that is pretty simple to use and for an effects unit that's what I need. So why did you sell the others... always good to hear - it could be a 1000 reasons :) Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial well I like you felt the Kemper was very realistic in feel with a good amp profile chosen but in the same breath, it wasn't to me as functionality in terms of getting there. Most profiles bought and created took a lot to get to where I was happy with the end results. What's funny is I was using a Line 6 HXFX with my Kemper because I really liked the effects and the overdrives. The AXEFX to me was way too much.. Just a lot of time wasted as well. I am using the amps in the Helix. I have gotten to the point where I have a template with my standard go to FX's and IR's as well as outputs via no IR's and poweramps (Orange Pedal Baby and a Seymour 170) in a wet/dry set up into my Mesa RK412. The Helix amps have been easier for me to get some great tones in less time than the other two. It's been 8 months now where I am not fiddling with trying to fine tune all the time. Just playing now. Happy with this setup which kind of blows me away everyday. Lol.
I used the Kemper to profile my own amps generally and bought a few 'profiles' but to be honest they seemed not really as good as the ones I created (maybe technically better but they sounded no better to me). I thought the OS system is reasonable on Kemper, but even that has bloated and become more complex over the years. They all seem to I guess. The template route really is the way to go on this stuff I agree, and currently am building one or two myself... mine based on @JasonSadites who is a really good guy with the stuff he posts here: ua-cam.com/users/gtr111 and I can recommend him. Thanks for the info BTW... always appreciated. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial 100% concur. Also on Jason Sadites. Funny you mentioned that just now. I just finished copying one of his videos on a Placater setup for some recording I am doing later today. Lol. Have a great day or evening where you are.
I own an axe fx II XL+, I do not know the processor inside of it, but to see that the III uses a chip created in 2012 is really disappointing for the price the unit goes for. Thank you for the video.
The chip was designed in 2012 it seems. They did make different versions of course, but that was the design time. I also noted that the Quad Cortex coming out uses (I believe) 4 x SHARC processors... I wondered when I was looking inside why they stopped using the SHARC ones when Quad Cortex (a brand new product) does. Sorry I don't know any other answers for that. The Axe FX II series I believe used the SHARC processors and the III used this newer one from a different company. Thanks and stay safe.
Thanks for watching this video. It IS a very long one I know, but there is interesting stuff in the contents. The other 45 minutes not in the video was also very interesting... but there you go and thanks. Stay safe!
So Tony...Between FX 3 Rack & Helix Rack...what’s the best unit...I watched your video and see you have the Helix set up in your rack...that’s says a lot to me...?? Am I correct to say it’s Helix?
The best unit is the one you can get on with that's best for you and that sounds best for the music you play. There is no 'best' unit in simulators... a winner... in my view does not exist simply because what one guy loves another might not like. But some things might sway some guys to particular products. I bought a Kemper in 2011 for example because it was the only product on the market (even at launch) that could profile an amp. It was a feature that I really wanted to see. Today I hardly use it. But it's as relevant as the day I bought it. Stay safe.
I think a good sound is a matter of perspective... I love my Helix tones wat better than my buddies Kemper tones. I don't think AxeFX is better than Helix, or better than Kemper, they're all great units imo, don't care what people say. If you can't get a good tone out of either, you didn't try 😂 Also, awesome video as always man 👌
Yes they all have something to offer I am sure or they would not sell. I looked at the Helix five years ago and it was a shadow of what it is today. I also own a Kemper... but that really is an old design and I am always wondering exactly when that unit will be obsolete... but it DOES sound good. The Helix rack I bought for a great price and it works very well as a guitar interface, effects and all the rest, although for me the effects are more important than the sims or IR's. The FX III was far too complex and that did contribute to achieving less rather than more from that unit... whereas the Helix rack did it all with ease. Thanks for the info... and stay safe.
Don't get me started on the audio. You seem very antagonistic. I created at least four tracks of audio on the Axe-FX III and uploaded a video of that. Then the horrible nasty type came along. I won't expand, but funnily enough they are all logged with IP and other information including the ISP. I won't be threatened by those type so why not go back there to your mates and ask which ones were threatening and abusive? I took it down later because of personal threats from those type of people. You might think that's 'OK' but it is not. Being a rude person on here will get you nowhere except that you won't be posting any longer. How rude. It costs nothing to be civil and this last post is once again turning personal and nasty that frankly devalues reasonable product like the Axe-FX is. Mickey sorry this guy was like this on your post. He won't be back.
Thanks for the kind words. Some people don't see my review in the same way and that's a pity because I don't know any other inside and out review as I did. It's not perfect, but that's life. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I got a lot of abuse from forum members when I had experience with the line 6 x3 live. It was my first digital unit and I bought it as I was just starting to use midi so thought it would integrate with amp etc. 12 months in and still no midi that was advertised on all supplier pages. I returned and got the bOSS GT PRO after much frustration and unbelievable abuse from people in the forums )someone introduced me to the term "fanboy" for a person who won't hear anything "bad" about a product they own, even if it is the truth.... I had people attacking me and another guy because we were angry the product was advertised as having full midi capability but as I mentioned it still didn't have 12 months after product was released. It wasn't AXE FX expensive but it was enough and midi was a core component for such a product. Whilst the BOSS GT PRO isn't the most amazing unit, especially in comparison to contemporary units, it's user interface and editor software were extremely easy and intuitive to use... I still have it too as I love some of the FX in that unit.... I'd likely get the rack version of the latest BOSS unit if it ever came out. So many modern fx are so complicated. Many of them are far more difficult than learning to drive :O Best wishes :)
I too get a lot of abuse for writing some reviews - that involves personal attacks about my character, abilities, honesty, you name it. That's how those people are. But I have learned that while some comment reasonably, the others that make aspersions about me I watch and smile because probably like you, I can see people with a stance that is generally untenable for so many reasons. My advice? Ignore them - I just ban them these days and leave them to chat on their forums - a place often not worth visiting unless you want abuse especially if you want help or if you comment about the gear in any way. I think I reviewed the Boss GT Pro some time back - and the GT-100 was pretty cool too - simple to use and incredible value for the money! Those are things that matter and re the FX-III that unit was IMO over complex by a long way. Thanks for posting your story because ordinary guys know that what you say IS relevant! Thanks....
@@tonymckenzieofficial Yes whilst the Axe gets amazing talk, it seems that whilst I can be a TWEAKER NOW i have gear I enjoy, it would be too much for my needs. I wouldn't use so many aspects. I also like some of the stereo source audio fx I have. I'm generally waiting and watching with the quad cortex too, as you said... The user interface on the gt pro is stil very easy to access amp and fx blocks although the former aren't great and you do have to do some menu diving but I always found it relatively easy to get sounds and save to midi and program midi controller with and was a novice to midi at the time (not much better now :) ) Thanks for replies and sound advice :)
I once thought like you about MacOs........until I used it. Then I realised its an absolute software / engineering masterpiece. (this coming from a lifelong windows fan) Not requiring drivers mentioned in the video is a common thing for most if not all hardware on mac due to the way it works, rather than manufacturer bias. Drivers are more of a windows thing. Great ain depth review. Fascinating to watch.
Well I do sometimes joke about re Apple gear :)... indeed on a video I created recently I called them obsolete :) - which in reality they are not of course. Stay safe.
I've had both an Axe FX Ultra and an Axe FX II, and while I enjoyed the units I would spend more time arsing about tweaking stuff that made 0.5% difference, or trying to make a new tone/patch with another amp, than actually playing. I now have an HX Stomp and have the tones I use set up and rarely ever tweak anything as there just aren't any more parameters to tweak. Regarding amp model quality, most things sound good through a good tube power amp like my VHT 2/90/2, even the old red Line6 bean! I hate "direct" distortion tones anyway, need a cab. The Fractal fanbase love to go off about the flexibility and power of the unit, but for me that was its downfall. It was like having a Ferrari when you only ever go down the local shop for a pint of milk.
Indeed I always said they are too complex... and they ALWAYS take up much time. On the FX III I particularly disliked the so called 'extra' knobs and buttons not found on the regular real amp. Its one thing simulating the real amp, and an altogether different thing when there are then knobs and buttons that my guess turn a real amp simulation to well, another amp simulation that's nothing like the original. The distractions are enormous and one of the main reasons I always sold them, along with the pittiful support and abuse I got for telling it the way it was at the time. At least I tried :) Thanks for the post, a very genuine opinion for sure, and thanks for watching.
A Ferrari body with a Volkswagen power train they just don’t sound like live tube amps unless you’re driving them with a good tube power amp but even then the preamp suffers hell my old MP1 ADA even has two tubes inside
I’m a real geek over these things. Trained in electronics at college many years ago. Used to build pc’s now build guitar pedals and tube amps as a hobby. So these types of videos are an easy like for me. Keep ‘em coming Tony. Thanks.
Mr Tony Thanks for this videos, I would like to see videos like this from pedalboard something like line6 helix lt or the old AX8. All the videos are very informative and value. Edited: I just found the video from pedalboard Line 6 Helix Thank you !
I did review the Line 6 Helix here: ua-cam.com/video/0sN-bwrDf2Y/v-deo.html and that runs for 1 3/4 hours showing more about the Helix than others ever did at the time and maybe even now. The firmware has updated since. Oh I see you found it... well I hope that the Helix review was good for you. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
Hey Tony,Great video...I just bought a Fractal FM3,after being on the waitlist for over a year...I had a Helix for about 2 years,and just could never quite get it to sound like I wanted....so I got the Fractal....I think it sounds very,very good...In my opinion,it sounds and feels better than the Helix....but....as you said,it’s very complicated,and at the end of the day,it’s still an emulation of the real thing....has its place,but won’t replace my real tube amps....Just my opinion of course....I do not like the price either....jury is still out if I am keeping the FM3.....
Well I think on this sort of gear that it's horses for courses really. What might be good for particular users is likely not suited to others. For me the Axe-FX III was not personally my cup of tea, but there are many users out there so indeed they do sell. Of all the ones I have tried the best sounding is the Kemper, with others following up reasonably close. The Helix rack for the price I paid (about £875.00 brand new) was a bargain for sure and it serves a purpose. I agree with you regarding the tube amps. I have yet to see ANY of those simulators actually achieve what real tube amps do... incredible tones, simple to use, very cost effective, can be low cost, best tones in the world... you know what I mean and that right there is a common thread that goes through nay opinions. The 'feel' of the simulators is not the same either, when you use a simulator you really can 'feel' that difference. It is strange really but a simulator does have its place. It's a matter of which one. Another thing, I reviewed the Helix rack five years ago and while it was 'OK', like most simulators that was all I could muster... it was OK. That Helix rack of today is so different, and that was one reason I wanted to revisit the Helix as part of a review actually. My use will generally be effects. Thanks for the info and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Yeah,after owning the Fractal for a month or so,I have been thinking about the Helix again......I had built up the Fractal in my mind,being so much better,that I thought it be the Be All,End All,modeler......so it was kind of a letdown.....don’t get me wrong,it can and does sound very good.....and it does have its place....I have never tried the Kemper,but at this point,I am thinking of just returning to using my real amps with a modeler/processor for switching and routing FX......Some people can go all in,sell their amps,buy a Helix,Fractal/Kemper,and be happy.....I am not one of those people.....I still like real amps and pedals....I agree with you on the feel thing....a modeler is a mic’ed up amp in another room sound....very different from raging amp and cab in the room....I am seriously considering the WAZA TAE as an alternative.....or even the Synergy stuff....I enjoy your videos and point of view on this stuff...very informative.....
You know what Scott that is similar to me. I prefer real tube amps, but the effects and I/O switching etc. are valuable in my opinion. As you say some guys swear by them... I often swear at them, generally because when you cut right through the hype (from any of them!) they are at least for me a 'make do' device but the time involved in faffing around is not really justified. I have little enough time as it is and investing even more time can't really happen right now. I recently bought some more tube amps and whether around £700 or others used (£1100) those amps sound so good in about 30 seconds from turn on. The Helix for the effects makes perfect sense and the Axe-FX III does not for me as that complexity is way overdone. The Kemper IMO does not have effects that are any 'better' than the Helix rack and it costs more. I tried so many of these darned things just to get where I am currently so likely I'll stick with this current incarnation because it works and relatively easily for great sounds. I have always tried to get across what I have looked at no matter what the gear and there's no doubt it is interesting, but it can be difficult, expensive, hard work and even not quite enjoyable when I have to deal with the wrong sort who assume they have a 'monopoly' on opinion. But that's the internet I guess. Thanks and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom ...I know exactly what you mean....I think I may keep the Fractal FM3 than for no other reason than I have invested a month of digging thru manuals and menu’s just to get where I am....The FX are very good,and 4cm with a real tube amp is pretty good sounding rig.....It costs half of an Axe3,because it is half of an Axe3.....I won’t be purchasing an Axe3 as I thought I would......or I can sell this and actually make a fair bit of money,as the waitlist is so long to get any of these Fractal products.....I do not like that part either.....Let me ask you this,,does plugging your real tube amp into your Boss TAE into the computer sound better than a digital model of the same amp??Always wondered in that scenario,if there is any difference??
There was no waiting list for the Axe-FX III my friend said. It might have changed of course. And I hate to say this, but bearing in mind the origin of some of the bill of materials maybe a waiting list was created by non supply from the origin? Now that's not my experience particularly with sea shipping but who knows... On the TAE I don't do it that way very often. That has been shown on some of my videos (as the recording method) but I tend to take the amp in to the TAE, out of the TAE in to a 4x12 1960A (or sometimes the older reissue cab like Hendrix cab) and to a microphone. I can completely control everything and it sounds (to me) perfect when recorded. The TAE direct to desk route I used setting 9 with absolutely standard IR etc. and recorded it sounded very good indeed. I would occasionally do that but I think I have better control with the Mic setup. If I 'double track' I always play it twice. You might notice on the Marshall SC amp I recently reviewed that I used a specific microphone that is basically two mic's in one in perfect phase and one is dynamic and one powered. I can ping one mic left and one mic right and that can create a very good sound with the TAE. I will be looking closely at the Helix and that 'MIMIQ' pedal for double tracking the rhythms most likely and that will be on some video when I get a chance.
I have to agree about 'putting the hours into it'. I was one of the first people in the country to have a Fractal Audio unit back in 2009. I was using it before 99% of people had even heard of the company back then. I've had multiple Fractal units over the years and currently have an AX8 in my possession. Anyways, I finally got to the point of being totally fed up with option paralysis. I mean to be fair...do you HAVE to spend hours upon hours editing and tinkering with the unit(s)?...not really, it's a choice, you could dial a sound up and be happy. The problem is more often that not that's exactly what you end up doing simply because you have those options available. If this is a good or bad thing is in the eye of the beholder. I now am currently using a Kemper and I find I can call up a profile and bang, I'm happy with minimal tweaking...generally just tweaking the Bass, Mids, Treble and that's it. So now I'm playing instead of endless fiddling with the damn thing. Saying that, I've still always really enjoyed the Fractal units and they sound great in my opinion. I'm still really shocked at the cost of manufacture but it doesn't surprise me really. Another great video Tony.
Very good info. I get your point also - it's a bit like buying gear... let me expand. I'm sure that there are many guys that are 'gear hounds' and always want to buy gear. They tend to do that (and I'm no exception here) to get that 'new' what ever it is device and it will change their playing for the better - or it will this or that. There is ALWAYS a reason - it's so much better etc. When you buy ANY simulator (and I have tried near enough all of them) I can guarantee just as you said, that you WILL sit there being a computer programmer. If that gear is complex (some more than others) then you WILL spend so much time messing about trying to achieve something that in reality can be achieved with a tube amp generally in 30 seconds. But you wont (nor me) be deturbed and soldier on... and on... and that is one of the key things I really don't like about the Axe-FX III - it even has the knobs on an amp that don't exist. I Understand why, but there is no doubt the 'fiddle mode' will make I guess almost anyone want to look closer for when they find that 'unattainable sound' in their heads. For simulators I thought the Kemper sound the best but the effects I thought are no better than the Helix rack I just bought. It's true in your comments to say that it is a choice to meddle around with the parameters.. but my guess is that most will. Minimal tweaking is king - it's just like an amp. To be fair to all simulator makers, tone is subjective and while some guys don't like some simulator tones they might like others. For me the Helix rack is purely to be used with a tube amp (good ones) and the I/O and effects are where that is at for me in rebuilding a 90's rack back to todays stuff. Great interesting stuff you posted and thanks for that. Stay safe too.
Well tony does something i love as a musician and as a PC builder. He takes apart the Tube amps in this case he breaks down the Axe Effect 3 and looks at all the components what's not to love about this? I like in this video he broke down the prices and I'm shocked that the axe effect 3 uses such cheap and out dated technology for some of the Chips. The Axe Effect 3 shocking sounds very good for what the specs are but They are turning a profit for each one they sell based on how cheap some of the key components are.
Well, to be fair to those guys, what happens is the chips age pretty rapidly (How does Kemper still have those at 12 years!) and then they become obsolete. Often the board would have to be reworked and that does have costs. Ha rather like the PC business in fact! New chips every other week :). But I always think that taking a look inside really does show what I'm buying and if there is anything untoward (I have seen a few times on different gear) then I will always show that - it's not really me showing it, but the maker - who generally don't always consider that someone might look inside... Thanks for watching and for the post.
So many people who've owned both say the Axe Fx sounds better than the Helix. So few have said the opposite. Fewer still have said there's no difference. It's not confirmation bias. It's not that Axe Fx owners are more vocal. It's a useful sampling of opinions. And the price has very little to do with the cost of the internal components, and most everything to do with the cost of the labor of the software engineers to invent the code that makes the Axe sound so amazing, and the time they continue to put in to develop all the FW revisions that continually improve the Axe Fx III.
It was not a 'question' really about sound - that is subjective really. What sounds 'good' to one guy the next guy dislikes. But my overall conclusions were that the Axe FX III was too complex for many situations and I do think that's a major contributor to the rise of the Helix as well as the price difference. The Axe FX (as I showed) can create anomalies that are even far from the original amp designs that it is supposed to be simulating. And that added complexity as I clearly showed in the video is very off putting to many different players that I speak with. The Helix on the other hand is created by an incredibly large and powerful company 'Yamaha' and I doubt they are going anywhere anytime soon. My original review of the Axe FX III showed many more reasons why the unit might not quite hit the mark to the most sales where Helix clearly has, but through harassment of showing what others never do I removed those parts - but they remain as pertinent as the day I showed them all on the original video. EVERY company 'continues to develop' the software etc. on all of these types of devices - that today is nothing special. Even the 'bottom end' devices offer much by way of bang for buck from what I see. If there was anything to criticise in the sector generally it could be Kemper and its 10 year old design still being sold which will at some stage will stop because of discontinuing of the components - it can't be far off can it? At least on the Axe FX III it's a newer design. The Helix has matured considerably over the years and has grown in numbers of users from what I see and that certainly does not relate to anything except that those buyers like the Helix. It would be wonderful to know the sales numbers of each brand and THAT would be an eye opener for sure. Interesting points and thanks for the post and for watching.
Fair and honest review. The comment about the age group that typically purchases and uses this equipment is spot-on. It’s mostly for bored, old, former bar band players or bedroom players, with more money than talent, who want to tinker. Or a very few pro players who want effects lumped in one place. Or if they are a recognized name, they’re more likely pro’s that were given the product free to help promote the Fractal name, and maybe have a one sentence blurb for Fractal to put on their website in return. All pro player boards I’ve seen had actual pedals and those players use actual amps. Modelers are a tiny, tiny, minority. The Fractal website is kind of lame in that “wait but there’s more!” kind of way. The “turbo” nomenclature for an overclocked, but quite ancient processor is pretty funny. The “list price” thing is just stupid. Nobody thinks they’re getting a great deal at $2500 just because the manufacturers suggested retail price is a gazillion dollars. The warranty is short. I agree that the consumer price to production cost ratio is too high. But I’m sure the profit margin is ridiculously high on each unit. The owner of the company is kind of full of himself. His online interactions on the forum are defensive under even the mildest questioning or criticism, and there are plenty of bootlickers on the forum willing to oblige and praise him every time he farts. It’s kinda weird seeing all these full grown men hero worshiping some guy who couldn’t care less and only wants their money, and for his company to try to stay ahead of or with the competition. It used to be that Fractal was clearly better than the competition. But if you’re interested in playing and not the latest virtual knob they made you to play with, you’ll find that in most shootouts everybody has caught up now. And in the mix, Fractal has zero edge over the competition. Touch screens are way easier to use. There are settings in the Fractal that are pretty worthless IMO. It’s pretty disappointing that old Cirrus $2.00 DAC chips instead of some serious AKM, Burr-Brown, or ESS chips are being used on a unit that is being touted as an “audio interface” as well. After 3 years with the Axe FX III, I ended up building another pedalboard. There are some things that digital doesn’t do very well IMO. Fuzz, Treble Boost into cranked amp, Uni-Vibe modulation to name a few. Now at 4 years, I’ve compared it to other modelers and the competition has gained ground fast. The Helix rack-mount is far less expensive and head to head sounds at least as good. the Quad Cortex has additional modeling capabilities and far more processing power. Boss is on the verge of a flagship that will likely bury all other floor modelers with their next model. The GT1000Core hit a sweet spot for board builders and those in need of a fly-rig, that trust Boss and Boss effects, and they proved that Boost and EQ along with the quintet of a Roland Jazz Amp, Fender Tweed, Vox ACxx, Marshall, and Mesa, are more important than 100 independent amps when it comes to finding the right sound. The point is, Fractal isn’t the novelty it used to be. The brand cache is wearing and there are other players offering as much real world usability at a much better price, with enough left over to buy one helluva nice guitar.
I read this post top to bottom. And I can agree with most of the comment you made on the different gear. It's also good to hear your opinion about the stuff - its not far from my opinion either. Sincerely thanks for spending the time to post it all - and it does shed light on the many aspects discussed on here. And BTW thanks for watching. Excellent post.
Of course running any of these through an amps power section into a real cab is the best in my opinion. I use one just to get more channels on my 800 . Great videos, your the best !
some great points! I think it is a great unit, I can't afford one for sure. I agree though it really does overwhelm the player and most people would never really use the majority settings in there . I think a lot of the products out nowadays, tube or solid state are a little over priced . Some tube amps are really expensive for what you get. All of the products sounds really good . I guess if it is a value to the player that is buying it . great video as always. Thanks!
You know what, you're exactly right on the cost of gear currently overall. I see many items that I could go and buy to review (the latest flavour - excuse my English spelling!) and some of the prices are ridiculous. In particular there are many 20-30 watt tube amps I have considered that are so expensive it is honestly sad to consider that sane musicians could even consider the cost of the amp. It was one reason when I reviewed recently those two Marshall Studio series amps (the SV20 and the SC20 limited editions I thought they were such an incredible deal at about £700 or so (including 20% tax and shipping). And no one anywhere has asked me to say that! I bought them without even further consideration to price - it was excellent. Then I could talk about other brands (but I won't) where the unit was either double or four times the price and I hate to say it, while there were a 'few' (and I mean a few) bells & whistles, those products either in other respects similar or in one case actually should not have been even sold (yes it was THAT bad). There are many guys that like the Axe-FX III for the sounds of course - or they would not sell any. For me, I really don't think that what I personally saw as disadvantages would have allowed me to own the Axe-FX III for what I want. The price, the complexity, the 1 year warranty (which I always check) and that sort of thing did not offer me really much difference than with the Helix rack (remember I won't use the amp sims for example) except saving 2/3 of the cost difference. I did consider other simulators too, but I already have the Kemper and the rest had one issue or another so I bought the Helix rack. Some guys will really like the Axe-FX III but I am also pretty confident that the complexity will also maybe cause others to think carefully about that. Thanks for watching and stay safe!
Sorry to here about the complaints. Seems like there is a small percentage that just having nothing better to do that troll and cause folks problems. I have for the most part used rack gear or the newest thing at the time for the last 30 years. My first processor was a Digitech GSP PRO21. I paid something like $700 way back in the early 90's. What a piece of junk. I had to send it to Digitech for some mod repair right off the bat. They took about 1/2 year to send it back with the defects patched. It still had issues. I vowed to never buy another Digitech product again. I have had most of the Rocktron rack processors and for a day the floor unit the UTOPIA. Returned that as soon as I got it. It had some software bug. I liked the Chameleon, Witch Doctor, Intellifex, and Prophesy. I still have and use the Marshall JMP1 but would like to try the platinum Voodoo Mod. Very expensive. I went back to Digitech to try the GSP1101. The reviews were very good. I was fairly impressed with it. Then I tried it using the 4 cable method through the JMP1 and into a 9000 series Marshall amp into a Marshall 4x12 with the real V30's. I use a MIDI MATE to change patches. That set up was the best I have had. I am always curious to try new gear. The Axe FX and Kemper are just to expensive for me though.
The video was chopped by about 45 minutes as it seems some could not handle what it said. That's OK but they have no right to threaten etc. My opinion was always as valid as theirs. Ha you sound like me :) I think mine was a GSP2101?? rings a bell but I have seen so much gear I try and forget :) And many more. Intellifex yes. I see exactly where you are and I have certainly been in that are with rack gear. Some plain junk and other stuff OK but overpriced. If you check my last rack build using the Helix rack here: ua-cam.com/video/HJHCG0k_oTY/v-deo.html you can see my old rack in there and a closeup of the Helix rack. For me, upgrading the rack I had was time I guess. I have tried most everything over the years... but I had a card come through the post for 15% discount on 'anything' (BAX shop) really to attract me back as a customer. I located the Helix rack and it was the cheapest out there, and after the 15% extra off I would have been silly to not buy it. For me, I'll keep the tube amps, add the Helix rack to control I/O and effects and that's it. It is a great upgrade and works very well. Kemper effects are not as good really, and the Axe-FX shown in this video was three times the price (silly) and for my purpose as an ordinary guy it fits perfect for me. The Marshall amps I always liked (but not the transistor ones! - been there and done that too - 80's) and the Marshall rack stuff JMP1 etc. are good stuff. Thanks for running through your gear it brings back many of my own memories too and always nice to hear what other guys do with racks... and IMO are racks are the way to go (stay) because cost wise they are substantially less cost than individual pedals and all that mess. Stay safe.
Indeed I did mention that in the video? Did you watch it all? And clearly, the software while it does carry a cost, it is pretty reminiscent of the older software that was developed many years ago but with updates. So it's right to apportion some cost but the software is so much like other simulators like Helix, Roland... etc. in fact they ALL provide software even on units that cost 1/3 the price of the Axe-FX III and some of that I would describe as very similar. Care is needed when trying to guess the cost of software, but all the companies have that cost and my view is that if you have companies providing the software in similar fashion on equipment substantially lower cost then it's likely that the cost could not conceivably be that high per unit. Of course, if they only sold 10 units then proportionately the cost per unit for software would be very high. I have seen evidence on the internet however that they (and other companies) don't sell just ten units. Bearing in mind that the software is also supporting other products from FA and from all other companies respectively for their equipment then my guess is that the cost is not that dynamically high. I did not identify the origin of the software, but many companies these days sub-contract software authoring as like hardware the costs are lower. Thanks for the point... ands stay safe.
Good review Tony. I saw this unit the fx2 a few years ago when it first came out but no in-depth and Frank opinions about the product. When it originally came out it was a bit ahead of the competition but they missed the chance to integrate into a floor unit like Line 6 and Boss etc... I know this review is a couple of years old and they have now got floor units that offer similar flexibility and pricing. Today it's a level playing field. It's a shame that some people are so insecure that they're not flex-able enough to accept the bare facts. Keep up you honest reviews Tony and don't let the trolls win. Your fans and the truth seekers will always be there 🤪
My original reviews of the FA gear was in fact 2012. I was ridiculed greatly for showing the issues I found by the very aggressive mob on their 'forum' (I'll call it that). I also reviewed the V2 and the V3 and while the gear has improved the 'fanboys' have not. One thing I found on the V3 review is that I researched huge amounts of info, even where the boards ship from in China.. needless to say no one likes that info being out there... almost like they are ashamed of the real origin. I can bet that right now they have massive chip problems. The FX3 was not a 'bad' piece of gear, but for me and many guys I know it's pretty much a sledgehammer to crack a nut really - too complex. The Helix rack can sound extremely good and I bought mine for 1/3 of the price of the FX3. That says a lot really. There will be continuing downward pressures on FA I am absolutely sure but I suppose that applies to all the makers of the simulators. Yes you're right, everything moves on at an alarming rate... and I can see Kemper making a new unit - that thing is 2011 and way past its sell date - although it STILL sounds good. Thanks for the post and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I didn't realize it was that long ago...where have I been all those years🙄 Well I was probably playing with my Peavey classic combo and a contemporary Mexican Tele with the keef bucker in the neck😜👍🙏🪕🎸🌈
The 10 digits on my 2 hands want the 6 strings on my 1 guitar (at a time) to be as free from complexity as possible - your video is a clear plea for the spontaneity of creativity - thanks.
Ha I agree. There is nothing really simpler than plugging in, turning on, flip the standby and no faffing, no 'its near simulation' just plain and simply the best tones in the world... from a bona fide tube amp! I know you play acoustic :) but it's all so much simpler than having to mess about for substantial time with basically a computer, let alone the learning curve. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Actually, I almost never play acoustic these days, and especially since I built my 2 humbucker guitar at Crimson - and I have a few other electrics as well, and a Fender Jazz Bass - but I tend to use simple fast setups, not digital acrobatics. Stay safe and productive.
OOPS - see my assumptions :). But I'm sure you get what I mean. So what was that like at Crimson... I have seen some videos etc. but always best hearing from customers! Let me know... and thanks
I have owned both too. This Helix was about 1/3 the price of the Axe-FX, far less complex and sounds fine to me too. Some criticize the Helix, but I can guess that Line6 (Yamaha) will have sold thousands more of the Helix. Thanks for your post.
I have to stand with Tony here and with free speech, especially since all this is well backed with reasoning and evidence (btw being abusive and threatening is not a free speech right). I have been thinking about a small multi-FX for a year now, both to complement my 5150 Iconic combo and the planned addition of a 5153 combo later this year in terms of the effects I need for Van Halen songs and to serve as something with good amp sims when travelling on vacation. The FM 3 has been the leader in my thoughts all along with the Boss GT 1000 Core as the dark horse. Long story short, I find the FM3 preamps, effects, connectivity, and editor easier to use and a lot more comprehensive than Boss 1000 and Tone Studio. I can get a 1000 Core open box for around 500 in the US and I just might to give it a shot but I am not happy with its single master delay. Since i have an Eventide Micropitch and an MXR phaser already, I may just get a DD500 and an EVH Flanger instead...(the Boss 1000 Core does not have the full DD500 functionality). Or just go full EVH SDE 3000, a cute "little" (it is huge) 600$ delay pedal for a hobbyst LOL. But all that still leaves the issue of wanting a do-it-all small-factor processor for travel and minimal number of toys/stuff at home...first world problems though, cannot really complain....Cheers
A very well balanced post Steve and thanks for the support on that stuff. Just FYI I am currently creating a review of the SDE-3000EVH reissue and that looks really interesting. I can't (don't) play EVH - to me he was a god, like Hendrix, Santana, Vai, and so many more I could name, so No Van Halen playing from me, but an interesting device I bought UK for £399.00 (inc 20% UK tax) which is a good price I think (probably $500). Check it out when I post it as that is also an inside and out review too. Thanks for watching...
some valid point brought up but supply and demand governs the price of anything. If a pasta dish costs $2 to make at a restaurant and people are willing to pay $20 for it then that's the price. I also feel it's expensive but if people buy it then that's what they will charge. Apple set the bar of ridiculousness mark up pricing a long time ago and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Some people still believe that if a device is priced high then it must be great and worth it. $1000 power cords? Million dollar cars? $200 pairs of socks? There is snake oil everywhere. Not to say that the Fractal is such, it does sound terrific and I am happy with my Fm9.
As much as anything I disliked the quality where no one looks - inside it was far from perfect. The other problem (at that time) was that you had to go to some forum to get any help. That was a really horrible experience (in fact very unlike for example the Kemper and Helix forums and support) and absolutely why that device did not meet what I would call a reasonable price. They do lots of things that ultimately I 'took down' because of harassment, but make no mistake, if you had seen that review then maybe your opinion might be reflective differently. But that's OK, these days there are so many devices and many that are exceptional at half the price or so and you don't have some forum to get proper support from. Thanks for watching...
I understand. I have most people set as ignored on that forum. For some reason many people have purchase bias and feel the need to be fanboys of products they own and belittle other products just because they invested their money. I'm actually the opposite. If I paid 50k for a car that was awful, I'd want everyone to know about why it was awful and not worth the money.
Thanks for the info... its always appreciated. Yes some forums are just that way and some others are no problem. But I guess its par for the course these days. Thanks again.
I think a better word than complex is BLOATED: my story with axe fx (ultra) is not a happy one : so I'm really reluctant to upgrade: I NEED a harmonizer that's customizable for voice as well as guitar: this harmonizer is a major achievement. I've got a steep learning curve with learning keyboards as well as a ton of material that soaks my time: If I upgrade to 3 it will be because i don't need to tweak: having to make changes though when performing in different venues now concerns me: Thanks for your insight. BTW my unit arrived without a power cable and in one instance when i was instructed to open the unit to fix a noise problem, I couldn't they had used a stripped screw in an earlier repair: NOT COOL!
That is an equally good word from my experience. The unit for me had way too many things per preset (I'll call them that) that for example were not on the original amp they were simulating. And basically 'extras' throughout the editor and firmware that most ordinary guys might well be unfamiliar with. The Helix I bought eventually does not have that problem and it cost me less than half the price so for me that made sense. I tend not to use the simulated amps either. But its down to what someone wants or 'needs'. I think ANY new gear we buy these days does have a curve involved that takes away lots of time (even the Helix) but it seemingly is whether the user can 'lose' that time. I certainly don't have it spare. Remember my opinions are just my opinions - others disagree and some are basically rude. The best way of course, like I did, is to try one out. I'm sure it's good for some guys but it was not for me. On the quality of the Axe-FX III the general build I thought was much improved over the Axe-FX II. I never had any problems with either units, but I only ever made videos and sold one and gave the other back to someone else so my experience of 'warranty' is not there. If you come from using Axe-FX you should try one would be my advice... it might be what you want? Thanks and stay safe.
This is an excellent review…..it’s amazing how little hardware we are paying for and how much 1s and 0s cost these days….grand displays with a saddle for the firmware to ride on. Hard to justify the cost next to a Wizard, Bogner or Mezzabarba, then isn’t it?
Oh I agree - some will tell me it's all cost for the software development etc. but that was clearly done on axe fx1 and axe fxII so axe fx III well, other than a bit of fixing what had issues its all plain sailing... and that processor price - the money certainly was not put in to that. Main board, case and other stuff made in China and shipped by sea is another aspect of cost... they keep their cost low and jack the retails... and as you say little/no comparison to the real deal amps. Thanks for watching.
I believe they used the electronics shortage as an excuse to increase the price just like every friggin consumer product. I'm frustrated with the increase of everything since 2020. Some items have increase 100% since 2020.
@powerseostrategy In some sectors there was increased cost of some components... I know of one (not in the music sector) chip that went from around $0.99 cents to around $10.00 because of the supply side of things - it was hyped through the roof. But to be honest, I'm not always convinced that happened to everything out there and other makers did not seem to have as much aggro maybe. Thanks.
Not really... this is about 45 minutes short of the real review I completed. Some people could not handle the other info I provided. Thanks for watching and those kind words... appreciated and stay safe Mahmoud.
Very informative video. I am a bass player and I want to up my tone game mostly for live gigs. I am currently using preamp and overdrive stomps with backline amps and cab provided in venue. If I want go in and buy one of these multifx units, which one would you recommend. These units aren’t available in my county for me to try one out so I will be going in blind. Thanks again for providing amazing videos.
Well these days there really are so many simulators out there and things have changed even since that video was completed. I have seen most of them, but a few escape me for the time being like the Neural Cortex which has continued to improve many tell me. Personally I own a Helix rack and many of the lower cost simulators like Boss GT-1000CORE and those types of units... but from what I saw of the Axe FX III that was overly complex for most tasks - great if you're a pro in the studio and all that stuff, but for regular guys I thought it was an overkill really. Even a simple device like the GT-1000CORE can offer you up to 24 'slots' of effects etc. and don't assume they are 'junk' because the unit costs a 1/3 (or even less) than the Axe FX III... or nearly 1/2 the price of a Helix. It's so easy to be over complex and complicate what should in reality be a simple task. Honestly, I'm no bass player so I can't really suggest a specific device for you. BTW I also own a Kemper rack that has some really good sounds and amp simulations but my caveat with that one is that it's been around since 2011 or thereabouts without updates from what I see - so in the world of simulators its older than me! And that IS concerning because what happens over time is that chips used could well become obsolete, and in that case any maker would have to redesign. Personally if they released a 'new' design Kemper I would buy it... but I see little in that way regarding ANY info coming out of Kemper... and that's a pity. Remember these are just opinions but I would consider the mid priced stuff rather than just 'jumping in' at the top end re costs because its very likely that you don't need to spend anything like what you might have thought unless you're a fully fledged pro musician... so look carefully and if you can ALWAYS buy from where ou can send it back without aggro ;-) Thanks for watching...
It does take time and effort to develop with these chips. Eg, the Spin-FV1 was released in 2006 and is still in recent guitar pedal products - probably because it is/was an awesome chip. Cost of a Spin-FV1 is about 11 quid (just bought a couple to get into DSP). As an analogy, what about the valves in the early Fender amps? Should these be disparaged because they are old components in modern designs?
Actually Texas Instruments will provide recommendations (as do Intel and many others) for the series and their other infrastructure chips (as I pointed out when I read the specifications of the processor) to what they see as uses for different applications as I remember. When I was involved in the Singaporean company I distinctly remember Intel providing even a complete layout for the ir 'NEAT' technology for manufacturers to use as the bare bones of their own designs and I think that's still pretty much the direction. I could be wrong and I have no problems in admitting that about the TI chips (but it was on the spec sheets - why not pull it down yourself and see it). In any case thanks David for your points every point that someone posts is as relevant as the next! Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial - Hi Tony, As a hobbyist, I've been looking into getting into DSP and found that the Spin FV-1 (at 11 quid) plus the free SpinCAD and Spin-ASM tools seemed to hit the right price point for me. :) - plus it seems to have a community around it. There seems to be alot of DSP kit on ebay which is in the hundreds of pounds which is out of my range. Thank for your "no-holds-barred" reviews. Keep safe.
You are correct in saying the Helix rack is better overall in many instances. But, overall I like Fractal products for my uses. Do you plan on reviewing a Quad Cortex?
Well it's all down to the user and the use of the gear. Most other gear is pretty much easier to use and that attracts the higher sales most likely with the reduced costs too. But the FX has a place of course. I am considering the Quad Cortex, but have hung back a while so that all the buggy stuff etc. might well not be there by the time I buy one. I like to see products that have had the odd upgrade etc. as its a better way to look I think. From my experience most 'version 1.0' of anything is, well, version 1 :)
I do have an Axe fx III. The newest upgrade to Cygnus algorithms blow away Helix and everyone else. It’s pure magic and Cliff actually has new patents on the technology. It’s the best sounding guitar gear I’ve ever played through. The price in my opinion is more than worth the cost.
No problem with that. But the comment is subjective ('it blew away Helix and everyone else') is not actually based on any fact or survey? So it's an opinion and that's OK... but for every guy that tells it like that for the Axe-FX III my guess (and it is a guess based on sales not bravado) is that there are about ten times as many of all the other simulators that might disagree. But that's the fun of liking a product and I get that for sure. Thanks.
Wow. Just found your video. Great content. Been an axfx3 owner for a couple years now. I completely agree with your assessment regarding it's over complication. Initially I was overwhelmed with option paralysis. I actually almost sold it for that reason. Spending hours watching videos to learn which settings to fiddle with in order to craft the tone I hear in my head was such a daunting task. The end result was an absolutely killer tone when recorded and played back. Even my old guitar teacher (die hard tube guy) kept going on and on in disbelief over "the guitar tone I was getting out of that thing.". However, when playing through headrush FRFR12s, Yamaha hs50m studio monitors, or a Yamaha PA it just felt sterile and lacking something. So I rolled the dice and built a couple celestion spec cabs for their f12-x200 live response speakers specifically for modelers and IRs. Celestion nailed it. Feels like playing thru a real cab instead of a sterile PA. I admit I only really use the one preset I made but it's a simulation of about 15k in equipment. For me the biggest conveniences are saving time and money not buying, trading, selling, looking for, or trying new gear to find my sound. Not to mention I don't have a mess of pedals, cords, or a monster rack of gear anymore to contend with. This one unit has replaced it all and is a good audio interface as well. So yeah, it wasn't a turn key solution by any stretch of the imagination. I am super happy with it though. Btw fractal is charging 750usd to replace an out of warranty failed DSP...I know of two instances in the last month. Not sure I'd stick with the unit if that happens to me.
Thanks for watching Justin (case) great name... :) The FX-III does have a place of course, but in my opinion not so much in the mainstream and regular guys arsenal. Some disagree... but a tool that takes a very long time to get to grips with might well be passed over for simpler stuff with similar (subjective) tones. The Quad Cortex is simpler and cheaper. Your aspect of 'only one pre-set you make and use' is NOT that out of the question either - my guess is that if you made 200 of them you would simply not use them... most could make them but then they will have wasted so much time. Audiences rarely hear ANY difference. I have tried most of these types of gear and the selection these days is far more extensive and now there are lower cost devices too - even FA made some. Thanks for the info re the processor. It could be possible to change that yourself at a lower cost of course. Thanks for watching and the info is great to hear....
@@tonymckenzieofficial Haha...yes..."justincase" I want to remain anonymous...not my name of course...most don't catch it. It really is amazing how far this type of gear has evolved. Another I owned and quite enjoyed was the digitech 2101. Although alot more difficult to configure than the Fractal in terms of block routing. Paid 1000usd in 1995 which is around 1700 in today's money. So in comparison the bang for buck is quite higher with the fractal. Was disappointed when Harmon killed digitech. Oh well. I suppose this is one aspect of industry that drives innovation. Thanks for the quick personal response. I don't subscribe to many on UA-cam. I will however subscribe to your channel. Good stuff Tony.
I think the name is cool :) and I don't blame you on 'anonymous' for sure. I did think that the FX3 was useful for particular uses, but for an everyday guy (most of us are) it's overly complex I thought for the sake of being overly complex. Most guys could struggle with simpler gear and when the harder stuff is so pronounced I do think its a reason (along with a high cost) why it may well sell less units than many of the others around 1/2 to 2/3 the price. The Helix cost me at the time about 1/3 for a rack unit and it was really offering everything I needed. Digitech a name I knew for a very long time. And indeed I remember the Studio Quad well among many others... like the 2101.
Tony...do you have any thoughts as to why my Sennheiser G4 wireless seems to really dislike working with my Axe FX3? So far I've used it with my Hughes and Kettner Triamp MK3, and a KSR Colossus...I have my FX3 connected in 4CM. If I take the front of the amp out of the equation, just going from the wireless to the front of the amp there are no issues, but as soon as put the G4 into the FX3 then all hell breaks loose. At one point it seemed to be "cured" when the batteries were on the verge of conking out, but when I changed the batteries the problem came back with a vengeance. I also had an experience where if I turned away from the amp the squealing was awful, but on turning to face the amp it disappeared. I'm totally flummoxed...I've used many wireless units, and my fave is the Sennheiser brand, and they've always worked flawlessly. Could the Axe FX3 be causing something, and can it be cured? Thanks, Tony.
@@tonymckenzieofficial sorry, my mistake…the problem is what can only be described as a ridiculously high pitched squeal. Movement away from the amp doesn’t cure it, neither does turning the guitar volume down, or even off, and it only happens when I use 4CM. Like I said before, FX3 for effects in the loop, and wireless straight in the front, no problem, but complete the 4CM, and that’s another story. By the way, where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?
Have you any plans to take a look inside the Neural DSP Quad Cortex? That is surprising that the chip is nearly a decade old. Lots of great observations as usual :)
I do intend to buy a Quad Cortex at some point. On the chip date remember thats the design date and sometimes different versions of the same chip can be released later - but they still have the same basic technology in there. Thanks for watching...
Great video Tony...really opens ones eyes to what's actually going on in the industry. One question - for us home bedroom players what is the best solution to getting good tone at reasonably low levels or with headphones? surely a nice JVM head with cab would sound absolutely killer, but most of us just cant do that. what would you suggest for getting good tone at home?
Well I think it all depends on what style of music you play. That could easily determine what you would look at or consider. For example clean stuff, and there are lots of guys where that would suffice, is easy to achieve with most gear. But it's when you want more driven tones that much equipment could be a problem, like you said, a JVM might/is loud. But for only home and bedroom stuff (not necessarily recording) then there is so much gear out there now starting from as little as £100 ($130) upwards it's mind blowing. Tube amps at £100, simulators at £200-£250 there is incredible choice. Many now make lower cost simulators - Line6, Fractal Audio, Roland Boss and so many more even Mooer is in on the act. But the phrase 'good tone' is a difficult subject I think. It's different for almost every guy I think. For example, if you played 'Hank Marvin' Shadows, your 'good tone' might well be different than that for a James Hetfield Metallica tribute band that I could guess is wildly different and each guy might well dislike the tone of the other one. Climbing the price hike is probably not the answer either. I always recommend trying out whatever it is you consider and see if that 'good tone' is actually in the item you think it's in. That really applies to everything that relates directly to the chain of sound from the strings, pickups, guitar, cable, pedals, amp, speakers etc. IMO. So the question you posed remains difficult for someone to answer... in fact the answer really lies in the user themselves and no real amount of others telling you that product X is the best does anything except to add that item to the list of gear to be checked out. This is a simple question Sean, but honestly, I believe it is one of the most complex to answer properly. We all have our own opinions, but ultimately it has to be the 'choice' of the buyer that matters and not some sales pitch from anyone. Thanks and stay safe.
Tony, at 2:10:56 you have a message on screen "Maybe if the maker had a 'simple' menu for people that are not accustomed to a high level of complexity.........." Fractal offers exactly that; a mode that displays just the controls that are on the actual amp modelled. I use both Fractal gear and Tube amps and like both depending on what I am doing at the time.
Hi Tom, I agree there IS a section for the 'amp' in question, but that's not the case in all the other stuff Tom, like the speaker section and the IR etc. which in fact the maker reports a high level of technical ability IMO. I did show some of that complexity in things like power supply design and so many other areas on the software side of things. That's all good of course if you come from designing power supplies, or maybe are a laboratory sound engineer (or a mad scientist!) but for the people with the most purchasing power (38 and over) they typically come from nice and easy simple tube amps. Check the comments posted here and there are a number of people that do use it... for a time, then they get far less interested later. My guess is that the majority of the buying public probably are not technical in the way of the world in those parameters that you might have to use to create great sounds. Remember those words... 'it's a professional piece of gear for professionals'. I think you missed all the other gear regarding the technical bits. But that's OK... some people like that stuff. Thanks and stay safe!
Hi Tony, it all comes down to personal preference really. I am 55 and did my first gigs straight into a tube amp with absolutely no effects. I enjoy my Fractal gear and find that as the firmware has progressed it is not necessary to mess with all the advanced parameters on offer. Just use the basic controls you are familiar with and you can get some amazing sounds, and not have to worry about lugging heavy amps and speaker cabs to your gig. Anyway, its all good with all the options available so we should all just use what we prefer or suits what we are doing at the time; there is no reason anyone has to use tubes or modelling amps exclusively. Take care Tony and thanks for the reviews, I don't always agree with you but appreciate what you do.
You are correct, it IS a personal choice of course. Some guys want/need that sort of depth of control, which I did say. The sounds I achieved were acceptable of course, as they are generally on most of the amp sims out there (I had trouble with the GT-1000 V1 software which sounded very brash at the time - but maybe even that's improved... I can't easily go back to it. The Kemper improved, but this Helix improved for me to the point that I chose that unit for price (£875), effects, ease of use etc. I have no personal use of amp sims really but they are there of course on all of them. I use the Helix with a tube amp... and for me that offers the best sounds overall. But it depends what someone is happy with. Guitarists can be very picky, and some of the guys I know have not liked a number of brands of simulators (its not just one brand). The Helix was cheaper with the I/O and switching than any other choice I could have made and it is not inferior IMO in those areas really to any other. Perfect for an tube amp based rack system. The thing is, I try and always show alternative views on most gear because then its possible to see stuff that ordinary channel reviews never show. At least that's the plan :) Thanks for the comments... and stay safe.
I don't really have any at this point... but from what I have seen its rather like a Kemper... bought up to date, where the Kemper is a design from 2011 or before. If I get one I'll certainly complete an inside and out review. No rush though at that price... :) Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial From what I have seen with the quad cortex, the User interface is attractive to many people (myself included) and reduces some of the complexity of the axe as you mention. However, I notice many people say they will wait and see. I see many also refer to positive grid and how things didn't seem to pan out for them with their hardware products. I don't know what the issues were with positive grid but I noticed their units seemed to go discontinued quickly then they came out with something in the boss katana/ fender mustang price range. I am beginning to question whether or not to bother with such a unit. I have hx stomp and fx pedals but have a couple of tube amps I love (I'm of the age group you mention that grew up with a tube amp and a couple of pedals).... My friend has a kemper (he uses simply because it is lighter and so cheaper / easier when they're touring than taking tube amp and fx unit/ cabs - especially when going to Europe - now with added issues of visas etc) but he basically found some presets he liked and uses them and probably uses less than 1% of the kempers capability... Thanks for the grounded overviews of such products... I'll be very interested to see your video on the Neural QC if it ever happens :)
Thanks for the info on the Quad Cortex... it is likely that at some stage I will buy one. I have Kemper and have tried most others :) I will let the unit improve a bit from its early release as often the software improves pretty quickly. Creating reviews of something like that could end up being very long but probably worth a look... we shall see. Thanks for the post and for watching.
Appreciate the time you’ve taken to make this video. Recently, I had just built my very first PC with pretty expensive components and I have to say, I’m surprised that the processor for the fractal III is that old , having learned a bit more about value in components used in a build as it relates to pricing and longevity. As you rightly put, this doesn’t make it any less powerful in it’s own right - yet, it’s some food for thought as to the cost of each components and use that knowledge respectively in the situation that’s applicable for you as a guitarist. For example - I currently own the Axe fx 2XL+. I’ve owned it since January of 2016, I believe? It’s still going strong. Your video proves what I’ve already (sort of) assumed.... I simply don’t need to upgrade. I believe your video can really help people that might be considering going into the digital guitar modeling world for the first time and desire to come to some conclusion as to what would best suit their needs based on what they want in conjunction with their budget.
Well it certainly was based on a design from then as it said on the chip itself. But it seems most if not all of these simulators are that way, and the Helix has the older SHARC chips. Similarly, I looked at the Helix 5 years ago (I think it was) when it came out and it still has the same basic hardware (so dues Kemper BTW) but the firmware and editing has improved as it has on all these type of units. My guess is that you can likely do most the stuff you want on your unit and all makers have 'new models' (just like car makers :) to tempt users to buy new. But as to whether we really 'need' that is another story. Great point. You know, I tried the GT-1000 when it came out, and between THREE guys we could not get a good sound from it, the editor/librarian etc. was not right and I distinctly remember the 'Satriani' pre-set as sounding so bad. That unit will be different today. Everything moves forward at a rate of knots really, and ANYTHING technology based (and I should know about that) ages and devalues at an alarming rate. Other equipment I have been involved with can rapidly come to EOL by using components that go 'obsolete' by the original makers and often without an equivalent. It's nothing new and certainly is not limited to regular computers as we know them. Thanks for watching the video you have some great points in there with lots of down to earth common sense really. Stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Thanks for the response, Tony! Sometimes, I think the truth is simple (conceptually speaking) , but there are a lot of nuances and variables that can be defined in helping us choose the right gear for us. In my case, I’m 28 years old, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12? Back then, when I was in my early days - no one I knew had even used amp modelers and we all played in our garages with tube heads. This all changed not long after, of course. I know I’m not ancient, so I hope it’s not misconstrued of me being some wise sage that’s been around to see guitar evolution for the last 40-50 years... but a lot has changed in the last 15 years or so.. to say the least and requires a new perspective about consumerism that we as guitarists, haven’t had to discern in such a way before. With that being said, Fast forward to 2016 and finally became aware of fractal and proceeded with purchasing the XL+ & the MFC 101. I did have to work with my XL+ a bit to get it sounding the way I wanted to for recording purposes. Using it live (with a 5150 II head and the MFC 101 + Orange V30 4X12 via 4 cable method) , I found it *sufficient* , but not necessarily ideal considering what I paid for it. Fast forward to this year - I had recently purchased an orange pedal baby and a custom 2X12 FRFR cabinet with 18 mm birch ply loaded with the Celestion F12-X200’s. I didn’t find them a complete game changer compared to other FRFR solutions I had tried. However, I did notice at least a more pleasant sound with its response to my fractal. I’m not sure that I could articulate if it’s the saturation, or the slight coloration? In any case, I’ve come to my final conclusion on where I stand and maybe if you have a video discussing this, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts: *My conclusion being - I don’t think I’m going to put too much attention on the progression of amp modelers anymore without first putting much more thought to how much technological advancement is made within the market of FRFR solutions and the various power amps being developed over time* *Would a better processor or a better design yield better results in the actual quality of the amp sims and cab IR’s? Or is this just going to become the cancerous side of consumerism where we boast about headroom and capabilities and yet, no feasible application where the headroom is even necessary, much less utilized* Too many variables to really understand the full scope of it, perhaps.. Regardless, I think as guitarists, we need to hopefully try to consider all the ingredients involved in the recipe for having an ideal rig. This brings me to my interest in the VHT 2/90/2. This has been used by fractal guys and other guitarists using various amp modelers. It’s my understanding that the KT88 tubes are pretty clean and transparent but really have the amp-like qualities of vacuum tubes? I’m sure there’s others that might even be better that I have yet to read up on or learn of. I’ve never seen or heard a guitarist using an FRFR *cabinet* , the Celestion F12-X200’s in conjunction with a power amp like the VHT. Or at least I can’t find but a few people in the wild that have tried it as of yet. I will bite the bullet and spend money on this in hopes I can get closer to the transparency, yet still have the “amp-like” quality AND being able to utilize the Cab IR’s that I enjoy. Anyways, apologies for the long comment... but I figured I’d share. A lot of my friends find satisfaction with their Seymour Duncan power stage or whatever Class D amp driving their fractals or digital modelers. I find a lot to be desired and lacking in those rigs... and I really didn’t stray too much further away from what they have in purchasing the orange pedal baby and I see that in retrospect. Hopefully, there will be some new power amps or I can learn of some other existing power amps on the market that can really cater to the nuance of some balanced coloration (for a lack of better wording) while also using the *necessary* capabilities of a digital modeler that allows us to use our full signal chain without having to tweak to death. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my initial comment! Hopefully my thoughts resonate with you in some way that you might be able to address some of this with the guitar community if you already haven’t. Thanks again,
A great reply. When most people look at me they see 'an old guy' staring at them through the screen :) and that's fine. I am old. However, I was originally a mechanical engineer specializing in fuel injection and in 1980 I walked out of my job, built some 'new fangled' computers and started writing games. In the mid 80's I was selling a 40 foot truck of computers a week, and needless to say I was visiting many parts of the world and closely involved with a number of manufacturers. Indeed at one stage I owned part of a Singaporean computer manufacturer. Needless to say that I have remained in technology to this day even working after retirement 'because I want to and can' and I really enjoy what I do. I remain involved with technology and supply some of the largest companies in the UK with what I do. I won't expand on that. Since 1971 I have played guitar. I'm no pro for sure and I can play cr*p and I can play well depending on many things... but people could say that about just about any guitarist. I have seen so many things guitar and music related and used most stuff out there - some good and some less good. I certainly am not someone that does not like technology or it's general influence on music and guitarists that's for sure. But I have to admit to one thing, and I have yet to hear from anyone (other than it saves a bit of weight argument) explain to me why they spend on any guitar amp simulator often thousands of pounds with the FRFR, the specialized speakers, the simulator itself, the time the effort and even on occasion the change in techniques why they do that, when they are simply trying to create what we already have in the form of a tube amp. Any tube amp. You mentioned the FRFR stuff and all of that. I have some of that gear here... my opinion? a waste. Why? Well I have over 20 tube amps and don't have to have FRFR to get 'a good sound'. Some could say well Tony is 'missing the point' - ha they do sometimes, but it seems to me that ALL guitarists (including me) are always chasing 'that sound' through either the next great guitar, effect, amp, simulator, bulls**t from some marketing or you add your own things on the end of here. We ALL do it. And we spend a fortune on basically nothing new. You hit the nail on the head on a number of occasions in your post and that's great to see. The 'processor' for example will likely not change the tones IMO although the extra power could be used for further processing by effects or other stuff. There is a lot of marketing in the music business particularly aimed at guitarists and it seems to me that there are many guys that actually 'believe' what companies tell them. A very silly approach to money and you won't have it for long when you believe some of the rubbish they say to sell equipment. I could talk about this subject of equipment incessantly. Once in Taiwan, I stood in a queue getting my allocated $250 a day (Taiwan government rules) and standing right next to me were two employees from Alesis USA. Basically doing what I was... how quaint. So my business experience over the years was and is far removed from likely 99% of the so called 'experts' that are often just good guitar players and have no clue about anything else particularly. Nothing wrong with that, but watching videos on UA-cam shows me how narrow minded and with poor real world business experience many of them have and often simply because they only do one thing. While I am a 'master of none' at least I have had an incredible time since 1980 in technology, and have seen far more than basically a plank of wood and a few strings to base my opinions on. It's one reason that some makers out there don't like my video content of their products. Some even tried criticizing me when I gave a 9/10 score on their products. How funny is that. Nothing in this post is aimed at you BTW they are just generalized comments about music and gear and why I have ended up sitting here typing this post at 67 years old. No money making, no ulterior motives, just plain old ordinary guy comments based on what I have seen since 1971. Now go on have a laugh... we all need that these days right? Stay safe and away from the madding crowds.
Yes I like to look at new gear of course. Strangely (?) I just bought a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier... I have had two of those over the years, and sold them a while back, but even before I get that amp here I know exactly how it will be and I know that there won't be some guy (from any simulator brand) poking away at next weeks software 'update' that would change things. The triple will eat all of that for breakfast really. :) I'm sure that at some point the software based stuff will be the 'same' as real tube amps. But I don't really think next week :) Stay safe.
They are possible to grasp of course, but as one simulator guy said recently that I saw 'you can spend longer faffing around than playing' and that's not any one unit... its the lot. Stay safe.
I have real amps, ksr artemis is my main tube amp. I got plugins. Went through a few modelers. I had an axe fx ii which felt and sounded better than the helix... i returned the helix instantly. Cant wait to try the axe fx iii. For a recorded guitar sound, the difference between plugins or modelers and the real deal is getting slimmer and slimmer. The things fractal and neuraldsp and mecurial... and ml sound labs is doing is AMAZING.
Well as @Nickolas Guitars below said, tone is a funny thing and what one guy likes the next guy might not. I have experience with FA and Mercurial. Mercurial is really great stuff of that there is no doubt and for the price is excellent value. I never found the FA stuff that great personally and for me the Kemper (for the amp sims) was far less nonsense and sounded better. You are right there is a difference between the plug ins and modelers for sure, as there is with real tube amps also. The tube amp still wins (based on my 20+ amps). You have a really great amp there in the KSR Artemis - you lucky devil :) I liked Mercurial for a number of reasons. Firstly when I looked at the Triaxis equivalent, it did not work correctly on 4k screens, and you know what, Mercurial solved that really quickly if I remember that correctly. Companies like that who are very customer focused I always have time for, whereas some others spoil certain aspects by not really following what they should, or for example offering poor warranties etc. and that suggests certain things when they do that. The best guys always offer either lifetime warranty or extended warranties - 3 to 5 years is typical of many companies. In any case, it's likely that it's the first time you have seen what's really going on inside the FX III and I hope that was useful. Thanks and stay safe.
I've learned to play easy songs when I was young why not tray more complex music . The gear are the same..for me just the price is what make me a part of it.. I've got Axeii years ago even today got astonished how powerfull it is . So I can image the axe III twice impressive than 2.. despite of the money I don't have to limit me if I can..
Ha the 'old chestnut' of 'twice as powerful' I always laughed at... and that marketing 'you'll never need anything else' I distinctly remember too... well you don't - until the next iteration came along. Of course these days there are so many more pieces of gear than back in 2010 (I think it was) and the world of simulators is very different. It amazes me how Kemper is still selling over 10 year old designs? Seems users like them but a bit scary because some time the core chips will get discontinued. Thanks for the post... and for watching.
Hi Tony, does this review also relate to the Mk11 version of the Axe FX 111? As a potential purchaser of the new version I would be interested to know if some of your concerns been addressed. For information, I currently use an AX8 with which I am extremely pleased.
Hi Phil, I can't tell you because I have never opened a MK II version of the FX III. My guess (and it is just that) is that they are all likely to be 'similar' at the very least. Whatever brand you open up and look at, from what I see in general the brands are typically Helix are the same, Roland are the same, Kemper are the same, and my guess is that for a design away from the III in general would maybe appear in the MK IV when ever that arrives assuming it does. Honestly I don't have the info so I could be wrong of course. My guess is that the AX8 might be a little simpler to use than the FX III which I found was over complex by far when compared to any of the other brands and units I have owned. But, as always, its what works for you that matters. Mine are just opinions of what I found at the time. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Hi Tony, thank you for your detailed reply, appreciated. Keep up the reviews and stay safe during these difficult times. Regards, Phil
Love the in depth ultra geekery review here Tony. Really impressive. What I don't understand is why you had to cut useful information due to abusive replies? Anyway don't let the buggers grind you down, they are more to be pittied. Stay safe and keep rocking.
Well some of that information seemed to disclose some of the things some might not like being disclosed I guess. I still have the master ;-) In any case while the Axe-FX might offer to some 'extra' features over and above the Helix Rack (I never really found them myself) I think that if you want something to actually make music with then the Helix was a hands down better choice because you won't be playing around trying for three months to get the tone you want... basically the Helix is much simpler to use. Glad you liked this - and I later show on another video how I started to create the updated rack. Appreciate the support and stay safe.
Great video... your point about complexity is sadly the way of the world these days - complexity over substance & often missing the blindingly obvious. What a world eh! Hope you’re well
I watched many of your reviews in sequence and I greatly appreciate them all, including this one. However, I do think that when it comes to the top of the line products, you do miss an important part of the story because you review them as if they were the mass-market products a hopeless beginner like myself would buy: it is like arguing that a supercar is difficult to use and needs too much maintenance. Steve Vai uses FX III in his live rig, The Edge even used FX II in his live rig. Joe Satriani records with FX III. All that really puts any and all concerns to rest if you can actually justify owning a unit of this kind. It is just a very different conversation vs what I am choosing for myself like Line 6 Pod Go/Headrush MX/Boss GX100/and yes FM3. Cheers!
Thanks for the post. Well I do get that point, but assuming that only 'Pros' buy that unit without actual sales data to prove it becomes hard really. You could be right of course! But somehow I doubt it, the hype around that FA product at the time certainly was exposing thew unit to ordinary guitarists and I could bet that FA did not refuse to sell a single unit because the buyer was not a 'PRO'. In fact I can prove it - because I BOUGHT ONE' :) They used to squeal John Petrucci - but most people know he uses Mesa Amps and the FA device seems to be a good effects unit... but at that Price I can buy Eventide - which is the next level compared to a Chinese manufactured item - which in my video I showed - even the shipping of the boards from Hong Kong to the USA. Sadly I was harassed and threatened so the video was later 'cut back' from important information that all people who think they are buying USA products should be aware of... I have not been back to FA for some while and personally I believe that there is better gear around at a better price than investing in a FX3 (or whatever they call it now) because well, I'm more wiser about that product and its path than maybe many others. And I don't need aggro from idiots... (BTW that in no way relates to you! - its just a comment from earlier aggro). When you get to a point of 'duplicating' amplifiers in your product and duplicate all the physical knobs, well that sounds like common sense, but when you add a pile of knobs that were never on the particular amp to create what clearly is then no longer that 'original' amp then well I guess the thing loses much if not all of its credibility in the 'same' as the amp tones race. Anyway, I could talk for hours, but I doubt that it matters :). But I do appreciate your points and thanks for watching. Had you seen the original video then maybe you might have had a different opinion but its not online any more.
Two of the biggest touring bands in the world (U2 and Metallica) rely on Fractal night after night in stadiums for their sound. So, I know who I'd believe.
@@70mcnevinto me, hetfields tone has lost the bit of jagged edge and ferocity of the mesas and diesel combo. TO MY EARS, the guitar tones sound hi-if and sculpted beyond what a tube amp does….in other words it removes some of the limitations of tube amps and as a purist, I can’t accept it. Sometimes limitations create unique combinations of gear and tone and playing - I’ve always enjoyed that sort of messing about.
That is a little unreasonable really. When I see products with issues I ALWAYS mention them irrespective of the maker... ask other makers and Fractal Audio had problems IMO. As well as literally lying to me about a domain I owned they threatened me with 'we own the trade mark' rubbish. That company will NEVER own the trade mark simply because you can't trade mark it. Sadly for them they did not own it as I checked. I don't like companies that threaten and lie in that way. Do you? That's the real question. Thanks.
I was going to buy a mesa boogie mark V 25 until I found out that with a Kemper I could own all the best amps in the World. Then along came the AM3 which sounded good and was more in my price range. But the Kemper has been around for a while and it would just be my luck if I bought one just before a new version came out. As happened with the Yamaha thr10. So I'm just going to wait and mess around with Amplitude 4 while I wait for the next great thing.
You know what Dave... that would be EXACTLY what I would do if you want a Kemper. I think the Kemper is a good device, but it is very old (I think 2011 or thereabouts) and if they are not creating a new one as we speak I would eat my hat. It's a good point to always look at how 'long in the tooth' any computer based gear really is, because the sector moves along at a fair pace. While they are not exactly the same as a computer, there really are so many similarities I am often amazed at just how long they do go for before the next refresh. Great point. Thanks and stay safe.
I had a similar thought. I was either going to purchase a Mark V 90 watt and a 2x12 ret cab or the Axe Fx 3. I chose the Mark V and cab. I've had the Mark V since early 2019 and enjoy it. Plus I can have the thing for years and the price will never go down to where used ones cost. The Axe Fx 3 will be junk in 15 years because of new technology and to be honest paying way over 3k for the unit and the board is a loss i don't wanna take. Where as the FM3 is only 1k and will retain its value in proportion % better than the fx3 in the same time. I believe in 2021 I'm gonna get the FM3 to replace my pedal-board. I'm tired of the damn things. People can do what they want but a major downside to having pedals is the noise they generate.
The MK V is a great amp - I have had two of those altogether. Need driving right, but once you understand it a bit they are great. I think in general ALL of the sims in 10 years will be 'has been' products because coming from technology I have seen it so many times with computer related technology. Who wants old tech? So that's one of the issues and it's unlikely to change IMO - in fact as newer tech comes on then the old stuff sells ultimately for a song... I was not a pedal guy really. I have a few of them of course, but the cost was mystifying for pedals with silly names or paint jobs that look like they went wrong :) I come from rack gear where for just a few hundred in cost you got everything really. Some of the pedal boards out there could cost thousands, and as you say the chain IS noisy. At least on these digital choices its improved in that respect if not on the price side. Stay safe.
Ha... it's a long video, but it's 45 minutes shorter than where it was originally. Just think what was removed ;-) and I hope you got through this by now - it is a long one as I said. Thanks and stay safe Jesse...
Great, detailed review. Very thought provoking when you get into the details of how much parts cost ( like the power supply etc). Strips away some of the manufacturers hype
Thanks. Well as someone pointed out there are other costs too, but those tend to be software based and I could guess that those costs spread over all the gear might not be as dramatic as some might think. I was of course guessing the PSU from experience, but often power supplies made in China are really cheaper than you think. I know I could easily get a quotation on one extremely similar for the sort of cost I mentioned. What surprised me was the processor. Thanks.. and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom I think that the software side will be the future as iPads, tablets and PCs become more powerful. These combined with the new generation of midis/ Bluetooth controllers etc. will be more affordable but a lot depends on the way companies want to package and sell the software and there’s more profit to be made from Axe FX, Kemper etc. Stay safe to mate and keep up the good reviews
Not sure iPads will do that much... I have been in technology since about 81 and while they are useful devices I don't see myself using one for the next 48 track masterpiece that I write... as Presonus might have me believe :) But I know your point for sure. It's still not that fast these days and it could be some time before the hardware is fast enough (or cheap enough that includes that high speed) is available. I had an Alienware PC about 4 years ago, and I had to wait until recently before getting a 'faster' more capable unit from them. The problem was this... while it is undoubtedly faster for sure, the price was similar to what I paid those years back. But it's a good point for sure. I would hate to see guys like Marshall dropping making incredible tube amps for as low as £700 (recent reviews I did) that all this other stuff really is compromised about the tones. I'm certainly not backward at going forward - some are, but unless it's actually 'better' I'm not sure there is any advantage really. Thanks for the reply... and stay safe... that virus is waiting!
tonymckenziecom I don’t mean replacing real amps, I don’t think technology will ever capture the feel etc. It’s the hardware modellers that I was thinking about. I currently have the strymon iridium, fantastic and sounds great but doesn’t compare to my JTM45 or Mini Jubilee etc. Maybe you could look at the Iridium in a future episode. One great piece of kit I picked up is the Line 6 powercab plus, using that with a real amp via load box produces really good in the room sounds at home use volumes.
I have considered looking at the Iridium...maybe. There are many guys also saying the power cab plus is adding to the final tone nicely. Yes achieving lower volumes IS IMO important and anything that helps is good - as I have often said, while guys have bands etc. there are so many that play around at home, I think they are far the biggest users out there and that's actually a god thing because it increases sales beyond only bands or studios. Thanks for the recommendations too - they always carry weight for me more so than general reviews because users find out the good but also the less good features. Stay safe.
I have considered the Quad Cortex a few times so far. But it has yet to be reviewed by me. Strangely someone also asked that question just minutes ago as I go through the posts... Well it might happen (no doubt it will) and of course when I do I'll be looking very close indeed. Thanks for the kind words and do check out some of my nearly 380 reviews on my channel involving amps, sims, effects, guitars, even strings! :) and thanks for watching.
First of all, many, many thanks for the time and effort you have put into this video! I am happy to know that the world isn't completely dominated by "Big Brother" watching, PC-WOKE-CANCEL culture imbeciles. I'm also happy that this world still has people with curiosity and desire to understand the inner workings of what the vast majority of people today would buy, use and throw out into the dumpster, never knowing what they held in their hand and why. And finally, I am happy because despite the first 2 points, there is also some decency left in this world, lingering in people like you. Thank you and I look forward to watching many more informative and professionally made material on your channel. P.S. I own Axe FX3 MK2 and by some miracle didn't loose my mind and have not become a Fractal groupie ready to dismember anyone who dares speak up about it. Go figure...
Hi Adi Solar... you have a really great outlook on things and that is not really very dissimilar to mine really. I find that on ANY brand of product when some don't like what they see (or hear) then they can become over bearing, threatening and rude simply because I made a video that shows a product in ANY different light than what they would otherwise insist I create in a video. Of course they all remain the minority, because there are very many subscribers that watch my video 'inside and out' reviews. And it's nice that you own one yourself but can see further than what some out there clearly can not. A really great comment and it's appreciated. And thanks for watching.
There are so many good units these days and while I have tried very many of them I have not tried every last one. The Helix rack as I own is a very good device for controlling a rack, for the I/O, for the effects (pretty much like all of them out there for effects) and the simulations are OK... I tend to use real amplifiers for real tones myself though - but that has been the case for a while. I also think the Kemper is getting old now and while it sounds as good as it always has done (I own one of those too) it's long in the tooth and undoubtedly there will be the discontinuation of the chips inside that will cause the maker to develop newer units (often that is the case). The Axe-FX III when I did look at it, was reasonable but complex and for that complexity that many users would likely never use, they are actually paying for others to use that same complexity. It's not something that should be ignored, but great if you want to be a programmer rather than a musician. The Quad Cortex I believe is still 'improving' so I'll leave that out for the time being really. I do feel that's the current state of play out there though. Of course everyone and their dog all have their own opinions and it's a pity they don't create the video reviews that I could watch of theirs.. now that would be fun. BTW nice channel... Thanks...
@@tonymckenzieofficial thanks for taking the time to reply in good detail 😁 A QC looks like it might be the one i end up with, holding fire atm. I cant believe the kemper is 10 years old now! Still, those who bought early certainly got the money worth! Your new studio is looking great - could get lost in there for a week straight 😅
If you want to play “tone-shaper” more than actual guitar, and you want to spend the money… I say Fractal is generally the best sounding and feeling, but to me all modelers lack the feel many of us guitarists live for.
About a year ago I did do a far more in depth review. Part of that is in this video and I included this because I also created another video of the Helix Rack inside and out too. Thanks.
Ha I was not looking for transformers and tubes :) maybe the odd spider? or maybe the silicon cement I found in the FXII and later the FXIII. Thanks for watching.
Not at all. At one stage I was 'threatened' as they said they owned the trade mark of 'fractal audio'. They did not. I still have the email they sent and the date. They were not telling the truth. Thanks.
Ha me too :) That's a really great amp. I bought the Helix rack for effects and I/O control really rather than any amp simulations and as an effects unit I like it. I have a Kemper too, but to be honest, these days I realize that to get tube amp tones you have to have a tube amp! Stay safe.
Well USA pricing might differ? I did mention the price I got it for here in the UK from a deal BAX Music was running at the time and that remains the best deal I have ever seen on these. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
Its crazy how greedy are this guitar gear industries. It may be the reason behind the downfall of rock and metal as new aspirants can't even effort good gears and cpeap gears doesn't help complimenting their intrest so they shifted to different genre. Coasting about more than 50x is not reasonable.. Some dudes justify the pricing comparing what apple does. But iphone does justify its price its latest tech and its may cost 3 to 4x its manufacturing cost.. But guitars gears are soo unreasonably expansive it will bring the gears and gemre to musium. Which musical instruments cost as guitars nothing !
A VERY valid point on some gear I completely agree. I have guitars that originally cost as much as $30k (I did not pay that!) but are they worth the money? Absolutely not. Loking inside some of the units at over $1000 does make me sometimes question the cost side of things (I came from technology since 1981) and while software can be costly to develop, I often really see the almost same thing over and over and that will have a bearing on the lower development costs IMO. Good point and thanks for watching.
The ignorance is strong here as always. You're not just paying for hardware. The software is much more costly. R&D, overhead, payroll, several types of insurance, frequent updates with TONS of content and improvements, and then you finally get close to the point where Cliff has to feed his family. This is ridiculously low-intelligence ranting of little substance and large portions of real world realities missing. Tony you may make someone a good employee wherever you work/worked, but business ownership would not go well for you.
Calm down. I'm not going in to great depth here, but in 1981 I was writing games etc. so I DO know about that stuff. I also know much about hardware in 1985 I was standing in Taiwan and later Singapore and Hong Kong locating and buying technology gear. I have been a managing director for a very long time, and started managing other employees where I worked at that time since 1975. What the real problem is, is that you don't quite understand my experience and frankly with the comment you made you simply have no clue... like many. But frankly and sincerely I don't care. You stick to playing your guitar, I'm sure you'll be a millionaire one day. Thanks.
Interesting review. I'm not an expert but did study electrical engineering in college and I have been playing for many years. I think the bottom line is that the AFXIII remains the relative best unit in the market (why so many top bands use this product.) This positive opinion of this unit is shared by many. In blind A/B comparisons, it usually wins easily. This is not simply a function of the CPU. Of note, many modern devices use some capable components that were developed decades ago. It doesn't have a capture feature which would be nice. It does however have a brilliant PC interface / editor that some of it's top competitors lack. I'm assuming you could have taking it apart during the return period but it looks like you kept it, so I am assuming you also like the way it performs in general. I do understand your point though. I think you are saying for the price, you simply wish it had more finish and more modern components. You do make some interesting points. As I'm sure you know, in technology, it's often the software that typically chases the hardware. Fractal has been fine tuning that software with regular patches for the last decade. Strong hardware is useless if the software can't use it. That is why some cars today can have more powerful and be more fuel efficient with a 4-cyclinder, than an 8 cylinder from 10 years ago. The software management and supporting systems are simply more developed. In many ways, the old engines might even be better (more reliable.) New does not always mean better. The strengths of the AXFIII also has a lot to do with the other components, IR's, models, etc. This ecosystem is vast and incredible- that alone almost justifies the price. My point is that the sum of all of this development and 10+ years of updates results in a superior product- not perfect (none are) but superior in many ways IMO. It's little brother, FM3 is only ~$999 so it could represent a good relative value (much weaker CPU though.) The I/O options on the AFxIII are vast. In general, you can simply do things with this unit that you can't with many other units. If I had to guess, Fractal will release a new and updated unit in the next year or so. I suspect it will bring the interface on the machine up to date (e.g., bigger, higher resolution touchscreen with more intuitive navigation, etc.) You did a good review of the axe-edit. It's truly an impressive piece of software that offers incredible tone control. When it comes to options, I think less would be more- too many choices is not necessary and discourages people from using the unit IMO. Maybe limit it to half as many tone parameter option- it will still be a lot! As you pointed out, probably 80% of the users will never use most of these parameters so it's overly complex. Ideally, the next, updated offering will have more power (either the FM3, AFXIII or a hybrid bridge unit (that I really hope is coming!) It would be ideal if a new offering bridges the gap between the FM3 and the AFXIII e.g., more CPU and more footswitch's. It should be simpler to use, with fewer, but very high quality effects options (read less intimidating and more user friendly.) This type of unit would be super popular. I think they limited the FM3 in many ways to avoid hurting sales of the AFXIII. With either unit, I really don't like the idea of having to buy footswitches after investing so much in either of these products. On the FM3 you can do a lot with 3 buttons but it's too much tap dancing. Thanks for your details review!
Hey thanks for posting your info there. You're right of course (one of the many comments) about the firmware and other software and cost etc. But to sort of state the obvious, both Kemper and Line6 (not to mention even Boss these days) also update their firmware with additions all the time as also the software editors and for substantially lower cost for the gear than the FX series. Clearly the Axe-FX series does offer much that the others offer less of. But for most ordinary players my guess is that 'less is more' if you will, is a marketing advantage because those 'easier to use' products are more suited to the masses. In any case a very good contribution to the posts and thanks for taking the time to do it!.
@@tonymckenzieofficial No worries Tony- glad to share my thoughts. Yes, the competitors need to release updates (actually many bug fixes- like automotive compound) whereas Fractal is applying the finishing polish- so there is a difference. They also have about 10 years of such frequent releases behind them which is another difference. Bottom line- they are very far ahead in the products development lifecycle. I agree that less can be more- but it's also nice to have options...especially with any pro level product that costs well over $1,000. A user can simply choose to go with pre-installed patches or create simple patches and stop there. I think the current leader for cost/benefit "value" and tone has to be the Fractal FM3. That said, I am looking forward to what (hardware) the capable Fractal team releases next. If history is repeated, it probably will not be the cheapest but it will likely be quite great. I liked your videos and took some good value out of it...especially pointing out the age of the CPU and the statement that it might not be that it is so powerful, but that the others might have been quite anemic...or something along those lines. Great point. Also, for the amount of $, it is reasonable to expect better components. Maybe that is why the warranty is relatively short. At this price, honestly one should not have to purchase an additional warranty. I find that disappointing. It should be a lifetime or 10 year defect warranty excluding abuse, drops, physical damage. Given the components you pointed out- it's easy to see why the warranty is relatively short. It does suggest a lack of long term confidence. Still- a great product but pricey.
They had a number of fixes I believe, but it always seemed to be noisy when I looked at it. Fan in the FM3 is quiet... but of course a different beast. Thanks for the info and for watching.
Tony- I’m addicted to your videos! More than half of the units you have reviewed, im not even interested in buying, but i enjoy soaking in your knowledge and humor in the videos. I appreciate the time you take in making all these. Im seeing and hearing things in your videos that i dont see anywhere else.Cheers!
Well thanks for that and its appreciated. The problem is with many that they are often paid to review or are dependent on the income somehow and I guess they don't bite the hands that feed them. But I buy my own gear and have a view of creating a review that tells things ass I see them as a paying customer... just as anyone else is. If the gear is good I say so, if its bad I say so... the difference is often a maker that cares or who does not care. Say no more!... thanks.
Hi Tony, your knowledge, experience and commitment to your honest reviews are very much appreciated.
Very kind. I don't know it all :) but there are those that tell me they do :). Thanks for watching too.
I couldn't care less what is used inside, it is the tone and feel that matter. Never tried fractal stuff, owned Helix LT (sold quick) and a Kemper (sold unfortunately), but I can't understand your praise of Helix, it just sound and feels horrid, completely sterile and uninspiring. Kemper was amazing, had to sell it unfortunately because of financial reasons. I am now deciding between Kemper and Axe FX III. What I miss out of this review is the quality of amp sims and effects and overall tone and feel review.
Otherwise I greatly appreciate your very detailed review, just remember, it is the tone and feel that matters, not the tech inside it.
Unfortunately then you did not see the original review that covered aspects of playing by three different musicians. I would also be very careful when you're basically considering a computer (that's what they all are) and might not consider important aspects of hardware that will undoubtedly affect what you can do with the unit. I have yet to see ANY simulator that does not have limitations on the number of block processing that can and will limit what you can do with it? I have a Kemper and that is the most authentic sounding in my opinion but personally I think you're a little unfair regarding the Helix gear. I have used basically all simulators and have yet to find a single unit that can provide to you the things you mentioned. Not one of them ever 'feels' like the real deal amp. And neither do they sound the same? Take the 1959HW amp I recently bought. I had those in the early 70's and thought I would 'give one a go' just to see what I was missing from those originals. Seriously, I was shocked. That 1959HW with a Marshall cab (and I might add a reactive load) is second to nothing and not a single simulator (no matter how they all whine on that they are) sounds and feels like that setup. BTW on the Helix I have (like I would have on any of them) the amp simulations will be firmly turned off and a real tube amp will be on the output side of things. I don't make my reviews in this way of showing the internals for nothing. Sure it CAN be boring I know, but it shows a side of equipment that many manufacturers don't always like customers to see. Longevity of what's inside matters in so many ways, because once the components come to an end from the manufacturer - so does your use of the product once it fails and you can't get parts. Likewise warranty discussions, safety in the form of approvals and of course price ratio in comparison to other similar gear. I have always thought it ALL matters. Think like this, you're considering a Kemper (which I do like the sound of) that has used basically the same components since around the end of 2011. How long do you really think that product will continue? I'm not really 'knocking' Kemper for that btw but what if you bought one and three months after yours became obsolete and there was a nice new shiny unit for the price you paid but it does ten times more? I could guess that the hardware would then be a major frustration - it certainly would for me. Obviously every buyer of gear has to make up their own mind about equipment, but I try and offer in my videos information that then allows guys to make informed decisions rather that looking at some black box and buying it because it looks good. You have a really good number of points there in your post and its why I have spent time offering a reply based on my own experience over the years... Hope you don't mind... and stay safe!
@@tonymckenzieofficial Is that original review still up?
Sorry it is no longer on here... if you read the notes in this video that's why I pulled it. With friends like that you really don't need enemies.
I personally on the other hand don't understand how people can't get a good sound out of the Helix... been using it for 3 years now, and I love the thing more every day. And also compared it to the Kemper Stage the other guitarist/singer in my band has, and having played through it and together with him, I liked my Helix sound way better, maybe it's because he just got his and I spend 3 years perfecting my presets, or maybe we just all experience stuff differently
I always think that guys hear different things with gear. Some of these simulators I dislike - even the GT-1000 for me was honestly horrible. But other gear in the simulator sector I like admittedly some more than others, but clearly there must be something going on. Others tell me just how 'great' gear like the GT-1000 really is... they like it and I don't. But there are also a lot of variables with simulated gear and how you use it... like IR's or real speakers and amp, some of it is complex (too complex) and in reality some of it will actually sound not so good to many guys. As long as it sounds (and feels) right to you and can create the ability for inspiration then that's probably the right one. I still prefer tube amps, but the Helix with 4CM and thorough the amp sounds pretty OK. But there again I don't use the amp sims much. Thanks and stay safe.
Tony, although I'm not agreed entirely with your review of this product, I do celebrate your independent and courageous way of doing things. You are a valuable asset to this community.
My respects Sir.
Well I get that, we can't all agree with everything all the time and some of this stuff is very subjective. But I really appreciate those kind words and thanks. Thanks for watching too.
I just purchased the FX3 and it's outstanding in every aspect. Best unit I've ever owned.
Thanks for letting me know... and which other units have you owned? Quad Cortex? Helix? Roland? Hotone? There are so many these days... thanks for watching Robert...
Congratulations! What about possible upgrade to version II and TURBO version?!
What else did you own to compare it too?
*That's why Fractal also made the AX8, and now the FM3.*
Perhaps you can review a 64 channel professional mixing board and criticize IT for not being less complex for teenagers? The Chase Bliss Automatone is $749 for an analog preamp pedal. Now compare THAT to the AF3. Nonetheless, it can not take into account the countless thousands of hours, years, in fact put into CREATING THE CODE to make this collection of components become a musical instrument.
The AF3 is very complex. It is a piece of pro gear, and it is advertised as such. These aren't sold at Guitar Center. They aren't pushed toward teenagers or even weekend warriors. With that complexity comes the ability to create or emulate any imaginable sound and feel. It is right on the edge of options paralysis, but it doesn't have to be. You can use presets, download free ones, or even buy them. I spent almost two weeks going through the factory presets, before I even attempted to create my own presets.
I can't predict the future. However, I own the Axe Fx 3, and to say I'm blown away by it would be an understatement. I am confident that as it stands today, even with no more firmware updates, I have no reason to ever buy another guitar amp or cab again. I am out of the market, and that feels great. The same goes for effects. I am out of the pedal market. The AF3 provides it all. Paired with an FRFR speaker, anyone can have a POWERFUL, LOUD live rig they can carry with 2 hands with a guitar on their back. Or go direct to FoH and only make one trip from the car to the stage.
Modern players aren't going from guitar -> amp. Effects and pedalboards are a major part of modern music. If there are some old schoolers doing the straight to the amp thing, this isn't for them.
A 64 channel professional mixing board is not designed for ordinary people. The FX III is complex for everyone? and unfortunately the majority of buyers (just a guess of course) are not professionals. It's either a 'professional unit' or it is not. If it is, then they should maybe aim sales toward 'professionals only' and if it's not, then it should be easier to use like it's other competition in that sector. It was not a 'criticism' but more so a fact. Check it yourself. Look, tones are a personal thing and what one guy loves the next might not. You clearly like the FX III. Nothing wrong with that. And there's nothing wrong with my opinion either? I am entitled to that just as much as you are? They are both valid views. I love btw how you state categorically that 'modern players' aren't going from guitar to amp. That is actually a subjective statement that you cannot possibly have known the answer to, unless you have carried out extensive work on the general guitar community. If you have, please show it! I would love to see that. In the sector where this unit sells these days it's VERY crowded and I can predict that the pricing factor alone for many competitive products will ensure that some of the biggest brands out there like Line6 and Roland (whether we like them or not) will absolutely drive the market accordingly. It's no longer 2011. The discussion about weight crops up from time to time and it is valid as you say, especially for PRO players. But ordinary guys? Less so. Thanks for the post and you cover a few interesting points of course which some guys will agree with and some not. Read the posts on here and you will get a wider opinion. Stay safe!
The best thing about the Fractal Audio is that it sounds and feels absolutely phenomenal. The tone has a very transparent dynamic response and also brings out the guitar sound forward. And also the simple layout of the Fractal sounds fantastic. The helix is very difficult to shape in terms of sound. And doesn’t feel good to play with. With fractal I feel more comfortable and confident
I understand your comments, but it's all subjective stuff really, and while one guy might like Fractal Audio gear, another one might well like Line6 instead. It's all relative of course, but I found the support with Line6 Helix substantially better than that from Fractal Audio... but thanks for posting this comment and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I am sure that the Line6 are gonna do much better in the upcoming days. Yeah the coolest thing on helix I liked was assigning the snapshots that has a seamless switching, The touch Sensitivity knob and the colors. ❤❤❤
The snapshots are brilliant :)
Just finding this in Jan. 2023, and the 3.5 helix update revamped the cab emulation and now it sounds amazing.
Agreed... it made a big difference... thanks for the post and for watching.
A very informative and indeed, 'philosophical' review.
I have had all of the top modellers over the past several years; Axe FX2, Helix, and finally The Kemper. My preference was the 'Kemper'.
As you mention (and I'm in that 'older' crowd) infinite tweaking/ learning curve, which I had no issue with. This old bloke is very tech savvy. However, as much as I am conversant and able to use all these wonders of technology, somewhere along the line I got very tired of it all. In the early days of the lockdown saga, I went back to using a Marshall JCM 2000 DSL in the house, along with a simple Boss ME25 for effects. The rediscovered process of using this simple act of an amp and effects was a new found joy. I have since sold the Kemper, and re-embraced the basics. I am much happier having gone back old school. My last recent recording was just my Marshall and a Les Paul. It does not get more basic than that. :)
I have no issues with people who want to use modellers, but I think a lot of things in life go 'full circle', and that's what have done, and happier for it.
No more tweaking... :)
Keep on doing what you do so well, Tony.
Regards, Mr Basic, in Liverpool.
Liam this is a very interesting post. I own a Kemper too. But do I use it? Not really. I come from technology since 1981 and could spend the time learning the technicalities of any of the products but I don't. You struck a chord in your post and I'll tell you exactly what it was because I too have been there. Some months ago (its all on my channel) I bought a Marshall 1959HW (basically a sort of reissue 67 plexi) amplifier. Why? Because all those years ago in the early 70's I had a plexi. I have so many amps in my studio there is basically 'almost' every flavour of amp., including amps that 'claim' the plexi crown but they are Not Marshall made. I plugged in that 1959HW, cranked it with a 4x12 Marshall cab and while it was exceptionally loud as they always were, for the first time in many tens of years there was the absolutely perfect sound (and importantly feel). You might know I bought a Tube Amp Expander from Roland - it was actually specifically for that amp. When I used the TAE with that amp I can honestly say there is nothing in my studio that really comes that near (with one other Marshall I could mention). That is similar to your track. It is so easy to 'forget' the origins of these tones we have all heard, and if like me you used to play through one, you 'forget' exactly what it was like. It is a complete eye opener in so many ways. NO SIMULATED amp comes near from any of the makers. They all say that theirs is as good in general, but I really don't think so. You turn on, plug in, flip the standby and you are playing... 30 seconds tops and nothing to 'mess with'. And that is simply something that very many guys have either never done as I described, or have no way of ever using that gear (and I can understand that). Even those little SC20 limited amps I just reviewed have the same effect... it's just so different. I recently bought a Helix rack purely for effects and control of I/O and amp control which it does very well and easily. Is it a 'pro' rig like the unit reviewed here? Well, it certainly could be used that way. But what a great point you made about getting back to basics. One last thing, the 'feel' when you play through a real amp is actually inspiring in a way that none of the simulators quite do either... just something many don't talk about. In any case thanks for the post... good stuff. And stay safe.
Got mine for $1850 US.. it was worth it, feels better than any other modelers and sounds way better
Can't get them here for that! So how many simulators have you owned? I have owned most and tried the rest. For actual amp sounds I think the Kemper is best. I ended up with a Helix rack simply because I want it for effects and I/O and have no real personal interest in the simulated amps - I have the real amps which are better sounding than any simulator to be honest. Clearly different guys like different things though and no problem with that. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial had the kemper, the problem I had with it is the high end was always exactly the same profile to profile. You can see it if you look that the eq curve.. and the dynamics were stale, it didn't react like an amp does, when you do bends the notes get thin.
My favorite amps are my KSR Artemis and KSR Juno. You should check them out. Also love my RK II, JVM and Triamp MKIII. I've had the VH4 and Ecstasy, those were great.
I don't think any simulator 'feels' the same as the real deal amps when you play though them. Somehow the tube amps are more inspiring. I can't really put my finger on why, except that I bought a 1959HW Marshall not too long ago (like I used in the early 70's). And you know what, plugging in that amp, and playing it (it was loud but later quashed down with reactive load) I can honestly say that it reopened my eyes a whole lot compared to every other amp I own and I own a lot of them. But that changed my point of view really back towards thinking about keeping stuff simpler than I was letting it slide towards slowly. My Kemper has dust on it... but for me it sounded the best simulator. I don't really use the amp sims any more myself and the units tend to have more use as effects, I/O and control devices than they ever would when you have a pile of real tube stuff.
Oh I don't really know the KSR stuff... but I'll take a look. You sound like me in many ways, RKII still got, JVM (satch version) recently bought again and Triamp III I did have but sold later - heavy indeed!. But at one stage ch 3 vintage has been a fave channel on the RK II for years. I'm slowly rotating around other stuff. The Diezel Hagen is a very good rock/metal amp with a pretty unique tone. Thanks....
WOW. A few minutes in and I'm blown away. I wish you were my grandfather 😕
Indeed... and honestly I have been told that a number of times :). I think that's a very kind statement and thank you - its appreciated. Stay safe out there... and thanks fore watching.
Great review as always Tony, thank you! It still baffles me that people take fair criticism of a product personally. If the complexity and uses, for you, are not worth the price why not call that out as you did? If you want/need all of that complexity and flexibility then assume you are going to get better value out of the AF3. It is information and opinion, not an assault on someones value set. I wonder if some paid for a unit, saw the review and then simply wanted to justify their purchase.
This is coming from a guy who bought the AF3 after watching your review and appreciated that I knew exactly what I was getting. If the value, which is really the heart of your concern, isn't there for some then there are other great options. For me, this unit met my "wants" but will exceed my needs. I know it and that's okay.
Thanks for the honest opinion and detailed review. You are an educator, not an "influencer," and have my respect for it!
HI Ed, you put things the right way around in my opinion. Some people can be nasty... and generally for no real reason - my opinion as theirs is simply an opinion. It's just that they tend not to create any kind of content to show what they believe... and that's OK I understand how hard it all is to even do. For the simulator market today there are so many choices the differences are at best 'blurred' and at worst incomprehensible to the casual new buyer or someone that comes from amps. Thanks it is appreciated.
Gonna settle in for this one. Long as it is, I already know a LOT of work went into it. Thanks Tony, stay safe.
This has well over 40 minutes of other information edited out. Just think about some of the things that information covered... but this video still shows the points in general... Have a beer for me :) Stay safe.
When I plan to purchase any product, I research many reviews and look at all specs beforehand. Especially expensive products. I always watch your reviews along with the others. I know you will dissect the item and give a detailed analysis of the components inside. That's something I wouldn't even do after I bought the product because of warranty issues. I also know most, if not all, of the other reviews are biased for certain reasons, mostly because they receive the item for free, greatly discounted or monetary. Keep these reviews coming.
Thanks for the trust in my opinion... appreciated. And thanks for watching.
Nothing sounds & feels better than a Fractal unit period.
That's a fair enough opinion. But it's subjective of course and what one person likes another may not.
lol
That’s true, but nothing sounds & feels better than the tube amp unit you sold.
I played so much guitar before I got this god damn thing. I had to sell it after a few months cuz what a waste of my precious time to not get a great feeling experience playing. It wasn’t worth the investment for me. Sound was great, feel was .. lacking.
Highly subjective….for playing out, I use a ‘78 JMP mkii and a Bogner uberschall and will never use a modeler….however at home I do like to play with them and it is a lot of fun. I can get killer tones out of a $125 Zoom Ms50g….the Krank rev model in that little turd pedal melts my brain how good it sounds and I have the real thing right in the same cab….I a/b and I love the sound and feel of the zoom…it certainly is not exactly the same as the real tube amp but it sounds and feels scarily close to as good but a little different. Been consistently playing since 1976 and I really despise modelers and will never use them for a gig…..but I know I don’t need to spend $2k+ to get very useable and fun sounds that feel great.
People complain about how candid you are in this review, I absolutely love it. I want to hear the downsides and real talk on every product. I want to buy a unit and know its warts. Sure the helix and others have warts too, but a review should be unapologetic. You shouldn’t pull punches on a unit because it’s competitors share those problems as well.
Well some don't like to hear the less than good points of gear. They are either biased or are 'fan boys'. The problem is, if the product (whatever it is) was good then I would say so. I have no bias, I buy the gear myself and I tell what I find. Like you, I think that it DOES matter what is not so great, it DOES matter if the insides is a bodge, and it DOES matter about warranty. Lastly my experience as a paying customer shows what another customer might be treated like. As far as people that dislike the contents? If they don't like it they should not watch... maybe my videos for those types need an R or '18' rating ;-) Thanks.
Love your reviews Tony, Keep em coming! You're the only one taking the time to really dig to the bottom of the gear and not just the fancy outsides. If it can't keep performing or is destined to fail it's often not worth the trouble or money and the best way to get a sense of it's longevity is to open it up and see how and what it's made of.
Well I learned a long time ago that what's inside any product tells a lot about the longevity of the product, its general quality and often can give at least a small suggestion of cost price. It can also tell you if its safe. Over the years I have seen some really bad products that were shipped to me when I bought them for review. The Axe-FX III here under review has NOTHING compared to the worst one I have been sold and it was big money for what it was. Indeed it was a tube amp from a brand that you would not expect it from reputation. It was NOT Marshall. But I won't disclose it because I am sure that the video about it would shock many guys ha in more ways than one! Thanks for watching and stay safe.
I bought a used FM3 recently, and the value proposition is there for me with that unit. I plan to sell off most of my pedals, which will more than cover the cost of the FM3. I run into a pair of EL34 combos that I already had, so no additional cost in that respect. I save floor space, weight, money, and gain versatility for recording and live performance.
Regarding the pricing, you are not paying for a box full of components. What you are paying for is the years of engineering and development that has gone into the Fractal products. I do think the value proposition is in the FM3/9. (the FM9 wait times support this theory) Considering that a hand-wired amp can cost $3K USD, the AxeIII is certainly expensive, but so are other premium pieces of music gear. I did appreciate the look inside!
Well I get the point of course. Back when I looked at the Axe-FX II and later the III those were expensive products no doubt. More expensive here in the UK than the USA, where FA offered discounts etc. but not so for the UK. Ultimately I bought a Helix (still have it - rack) for about £800 at the time and that was literally 1/3 the price of the FX III. For me there was really no advantage and the Helix also has sw upgrades etc. but without the aggro of the FA forums that are pretty notorious for being let's say generally anti-social especially if your opinion differs. Helix forums are very different than that. So for me the Helix was just as suitable. Some might argue, but it works for me. I have been in technology since 1981 and know much about development costs and software, but I also have much experience with hardware especially from the Far East, which that equipment came from when I looked at the FXIII at the time. FA never seemed to mention any of that. But it's all irrelevant really these days, there are so many digital boxes around (even Fender is in on the act so to speak) that the very expensive units like the FX III will likely be suffering somewhat in the respect of any real volume sales, probably why they have the 'cheaper' units out these days. I would like to see an updated Helix myself (on the hardware side of things) or Kemper that I reviewed back in January 2012! And it still rolls on :) On amps of course you CAN pick up a tube amp this side of £600 in the UK at least that will give EVERY digital device a run for its money with REAL tones and that 'feel' that is generally missing from the digital stuff IMO. Thanks for the post, you covered quite a few things there and always interesting to read those sort of posts as they can reflect many opinions. Always worth reading IMO. And thanks for watching - most of my reviews (over 400) are similarly created and some of the tube amps are worth a look too. Thanks for taking the time.
Brilliant & Honest reviews Tony, best on the web...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎸🎧🍻
Thanks for the kind words... appreciated.
For me the problem is the price. I don't mind the complexity of the fractal and I like that you can get to great tones quicker than you can with helix. But i got a helix for $900 on ebay. The reality is, no matter how good you are with either unit, your sound will be limited by your own ability to use the unit rather than its capabilities. Both of these units are capable of sounding better than any of us are going to be able to dial them in to sound. The helix takes longer to both learn and to dial in to get to the quality of sound at the peak of my ability than the fractal does, but anyone who thinks the helix can't do it just hasn't spent enough time with a helix. And if we're being honest with ourselves, our playing is a bigger hindrance to our sound than our gear is. To me it's worth the $1200 I save going with a helix vs an axe fx III. But I absolutely understand why that's not worth it to others.
This is a very good point. And for me the price was also taken in to account when I bought a Helix Rack and floor controller. Helix I found myself to be certainly less difficult than the Axe-FX III and honestly I don't use 1000 tones or presets a day so for me its a good mix. I also often use the real amp for tones on a JVM410HJS with 4CM and that can be an incredible setup. Thanks for the post and those other points you raised about ability and much more are equally very valid. Thanks for watching.
Many good and valid points- I appreciate the detail but at some points it's analysis paralysis. The bottom line is if you want and can afford the best (of what is available today), there is one clear choice. Nothing else on the market compares, period. That said, many people are waiting for a new version that sits between the FM3 and the Axe FX III and comes with at least six (6) onboard foot switches. As you pointed out, if they want to sell to the masses, make a unit that is slightly less complex, yet more powerful than the FM3, bump up the warranty and include 6+ foot switches.
I think you're right on the paralysis! By the time you actually 'get it' on the Axe-FX III then it is most likely months down the road from where I was looking. Every maker (or fan) will 'stand behind' their favourite product and won't generally be shaken by anything or anyone. And I get that. I have experience of the Kemper since 2011, The Helix five years ago and currently, and of course amblings on the other brands of all similar units out there. Kemper started out being incredibly good at launch (all brands were far from perfect). It sounded the best I think in 2011. Some will disagree. But the Kemper, like the Axe-FX (you put the version here) or any of the other multitudes of simulators out there all keep 'updating' about every 1-3 months the OS (some call it firmware etc.). And bear in mind that since the earliest versions of ALL these products they have ALL degraded in one way. Complexity increases for every single release of firmware from every one of them (including the Helix). Clearly all of these companies are now making 'lower level' devices as you also confirm and that allows the technology to be available to mere mortals :) at a price that is affordable to ordinary guys. It's inevitable. Technology as it ages always gets cheaper. For me the Helix won because it offered (compared to the FX III) simpler usability, overall control as a rack master switch and still with many great sounds for what was a steal (Just £875.00 - probably about $1050) from a special offer discount voucher. All of it is 'horses for courses' I guess and whatever works best for specific situations is probably the 'right' gear for that situation and users temperament. I'm not entirely convinced myself about the Axe-FX stuff as I have pointed out, but there is no doubt that it sells, and lower priced gear by them will of course sell higher volumes. I guess competing with £875.00 for what I got for that money is a target that should have FA equipment within that sector. But they are up against Yamaha... nevertheless there IS a place for that gear. Thanks for watching and I hope you found the video interesting. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks and yes, very interesting video. Glad you like the Helix- good unit for sure- tried it and it's nice but it's definitely no AFIII. Sure, usability is important but once someone dials in the tones they want (or simply buys pre-made patches), they can simply toggle a foot switch and be done. For those who want to experiment, or pro's, the options are endless. Ultimately, if the priority is a quest for tone and the user has some ability to navigate the settings, outside of using various tube amps, it's hard to be the Axe-FX III.
Actually I recently finished the integration of the Helix rack in to my Marshall rig (4 cable method), turned off the amp and used a preamp, used a regular speaker for the direct recording rather than the IR's everyone spurts on about and I have to say that using the gear in this way then it is very useable. For me, using the amp simulators typically on most of them pales in comparison to the very same amp sitting right next to the simulator in the same room. This way, I think it's a benefit by using the equipment as I am because I can achieve a far better tome (to my ears) than any other way whether I followed manuals, watched videos, messed about... you name it. Ultimately I guess that's as far as I will go, but the snapshots become useful really as a 'control centre' for the particular rig and the effects, tones, I/O etc. that I need. I guess I am spoiled with the tube amps I have at hand but it does go to show that even guys with tube amps CAN make use of equipment with similar features whatever brand they might choose. I'll be making a video showing the stuff I have completed as a follow on to setting up the Helix in a rack (part one is on my channel) which should be interesting to some that have not gone down that road. Currently have wrist problems and other stuff, but it will get there eventually. Thanks... and stay safe... seems lockdown will be coming back to the UK :(
A very good and honest review... I completely understand and agree with the cost vs complexity vs benefits analysis. Thank you for such an informed analysis. I have an original standard, and these are the very many reasons why I have not changed. I use mine as a preamp and effects processor, leaving the power amp section to my Mesa 20/20 and the impulse response section to my dual two notes torpedo lives. With the setup, I can get just about any tone I need, rather quickly. and then unit, in its inception was built so well, I've not broken down, ever.
It was a fairly fair price back then, but has just become more obnoxious in both price and complexity. I want to spend my time playing the instrument, not fiddling with knobs.
It's nice to know you have a unit whatever its age. Your points are similar in some ways to mine and guess what, I use the Helix really similarly to what you do with your fx unit. I prefer real amp tones and 4cm etc, but direct out or mic recording works well for me. I created a different video showing my older rack too and how I updated it all to the newer stuff. That might be worth watching and I'll be creating another video presently on that showing how I finished that all off. It worked well for me, but guys are different of course. I'm sure your fx will have given you good results and that's what really matters of course. There are some that come and criticize etc. but my video was never really about that sort of thing, it was a review completed as best I could but maybe for some guys it did not say what they wanted to hear. In any case thanks for the comments - greatly appreciated. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I got my sound premix before mains, but basically using a stereo radial for out to FOH sharing the out to my personal monitors. Works amazing!!!
Thanks for the info.... stay safe.
This was a great video, and I'm honestly perplexed as to why you don't have more subscribers.
So am I... the fact is that these days there are so many changes to UA-cam and I'm sure they don't particularly help. It is what it is though and as long as I enjoy making the stuff I'll probably continue. Thanks and stay safe.
Never really got along with my Helix.....for myriad reasons; sold that puppy at a epic loss.
Liked my MooerGE300 MUCH more (super under rated pedal). Bought a FXIII and REALLY like it. Frankly, it's on a completely different level than Helix IMHO.
I still have my Helix rack... which works fine for me. I also am currently reviewing the POD GO which is interesting. But not as interesting as the GE300 which I also have for my review after - a nicer pedal for sure even after using it for ten minutes. I think that the FXIII was overly complex for the majority of users and I said so. That does suit some people of course, but the FXIII is one end of the sector and the POD GO is at the other. There are plenty of products in between that all compete and let's not forget Kemper which I have also owned since 2012 which is a great sounding device too. Personally though, when I remove all the cr*p like reverb, echo and all the other effects from most of these type of devices I am often (read always) left with a sterile tone that is basically as bad as it sounds - like the emperors new clothes.. take off the effects and it is all laid bare. Thats where the real tube amps win hands down I reckon, and of course building up a great base sound makes the real deal tube amps sound just better. But that's just an opinion and mine is no more right or wrong than the next guys... except I have had a bit of practise with simulators for a very long time. Thanks fore posting your opinion too - its alsways good to get the opinion of real owners of the gear... and stay safe.
I went to the John Petrucci camp in 2023. For his rig, yes, he uses his JPIIC amp and then AXE FX for FX ONLY!
Live, he uses TWO JPIIC amps for stereo.
Exactly. FA would like everyone to believe different ;-) and thanks for the post and for watching.
While I agree with most of what you are saying and you have done the best review I've ever watched. In terms of value, for the price of one of your high end amps you can buy a unit that has any amp and any effect and higher audio quality that you can find. The difference between the Boss Gt1000 and said unit is that some one had to create all of those amp models and ir's and presets. Compared to gt1000 having 5 basic models and YOU have to do the work yourself. Studios would love the unit. So much cheaper than a bunch of real amps. I'm 59 by the way. Cheers Tony!
Thanks for your balanced comments.. appreciated. I am not perfect of course and this is just my take on the equipment whether right wrong or indifferent. I understand your points re 'amps' in the unit, but I also have a Kemper amp that was the first to 'profile' guitar amps and remains the best in the world regarding profiled amps - any amps! That unit is exacting in its level of simulation from the real amps. The Boss GT-1000 is in my opinion inferior to either this product or the Kemper, or the Line6 Helix, but again it's just an opinion from having experience with them all. I won't disagree that 'some' studios will get along fine with this unit probably more so than individuals who are I guess the majority of buyers. The Kemper is cheaper than the FX-III here in the UK and the profiling is better. But this product does have it's place... people do buy it. But I opted for the Helix simply because I bought it for about £870 and it does exactly what I want without spending too much time messing about with parameters that probably only Einstein could work on competitive products. The Kemper - also has 'mutated' from the much simpler product that it was in January 2012 when I bought it. Today, that also has so much 'in the menu's and well hidden that it detracts from the use IMO. The Helix rack was much simpler and because I use real amps anyway the simulations in any of them in general are not of great importance to me. Thanks for watching Peter and you raised fair points of course. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial keep up the good work Tony!
Hi Tony - You got a great deal on your Helix Rack and I understand how you're going to use it mostly for effect. I still love my "Dream Rig" of a Variax, Helix and PowerCab. Personal preference to hauling around one of my 60-70lb Tube amps. Stay well and safe my friend. All my best- Doc
I think I mentioned I got your pics fine... all good stuff Lonny and thanks for those really appreciated. Yes the Helix is really an effects and I/O unit for me for my tube amps. It's a good choice especially for the price. Here's how I got it... I used to buy from a company called BAX shop (somewhere in Europe), but had not done for some time. A few months ago I received a card in the post from them wanting me to buy from them and offering 15% discount if I did. I was mulling over the Helix rack and wanted that for the reasons I said above. So off I went and just searched for a Helix rack online through all the usual suspects. BAX were the lowest I could find from any company. So off I went to their site. By the time I added the voucher from the unit, including post and including 20% tax I paid £874.65 pence. Take off the Tax and convert to $ USA and I can guess its a good price but have not checked the street price in the USA for a while. In any case it was the bargain of the time for sure and I was surprised the 15% discount worked but it did! So anyone reading this, if you get the voucher (it was not solicited by me in any way) then check them out. Yes I get the 'hauling around' of the tube amps. There are a couple in the studio that thankfully I don't lug anywhere any more (50LBS+) and it does not sound heavy until you start to get older and OMG I can't do that any more. Yes stay safe there Lonny I watch the USA and virus stuff for the USA a lot (I have work contacts in the USA) and always think about everyone. Its a really sad situation. Thanks.
If you ask Tony to answer a question-
You could at least acknowledge the time and consideration he put into answering you by giving a thumbs up under his response.
Billy that's the way some people are these days. Generally seems anything relating to axe-fx somehow. Some of the comments I have not allowed on here - they are basically rude and un-objective just because they can... anyway thanks for your support. Stay safe.
Tone is a very personal thing, what I hear and what I consider a "good" sound is probably quite different to the guy standing next to me. I bought a Helix and a load of fancy IR's...spent 4 days playing with presets..in the end I had 1 clean, 1 crunch and 2 leads..basically all the same amp with just with more gain and more reverb! Just wasn't for me, I'm a tube amp guy, no need to break out my phone, ipad or laptop to change the settings on them..just turn a knob! and now connected through the OX...im set for a live rig, practice rig, wet/dry set up and recording. I appreciate your videos and no BS approach Tony! YNWA
I agree... tone is hard to define - we're all different. The trick for me with the Helix, is really (while the amps are interesting to mess around with) to use a real tube amp in the helix audio path. That immediately solves the amp sounds for me (may or not for others as you say) and I can use the effects to great advantage really. And the I/O and control are all there. My rack as you saw was very old, not useless by any means, but I wanted to get everything as much as possible to a different solution. With the Helix costing me £875.00 ($1050) including 20% tax I think I had a winner. You are right on the assessment of the simulators (and I don't believe any one brand in this) as generally you WILL end up with a 4 channel amp... that might sound good (or not) and there seems little else to gain. But that's not entirely correct IMO. Here's why. I gained multitudes of effects that otherwise would undoubtedly cost me more than the Helix rack, I gained the control of the whole rig, I gained the I/O system that I did not have as flexible. I also gained the 'programmability' of the effects if I want that (as it happens I don't) and overall that is a big plus. I could not have achieved the same on ANY other simulator for that money no question currently. The OX gear is good gear. Hey, I too am a tube amp guy and would NEVER suggest (just an opinion) that any simulator I have ever tried to date (near enough them all) comes to the same level for inspiration and tones, but also importantly feel of the tube stuff. Tubes are still there to stay. But using the Helix as I have only enhances what I already have (over 20 tube amps and counting) and I don't need pedals really. Your setup is great too and I 'get that' for sure. Would I use the Helix (or any other simulator) as a main amp? Probably not. Nearest I got to the best tones out of any of them as a simulator was the Kemper, but that now is becoming a dinosaur in time where computer technology is concerned. Its like using an old Apple I. Great comment and thanks for that... and stay safe.
Thanks for bringing this one back. I saw the original one as well. Always entertaining and informative. I love tube amps , always will. I'm a Marshall guy just like you. So yes, I've got everything from vintage jmp, jtm, jcm, Fender, to the sv20h, etc. As well as Mesa mk v, Top Hat, Matchless, Vox, yep I currently own them all. Not to mention hundreds of boutique pedals. To say I'm a gear junkie is putting it mildly.🤣 Having said that. I also own the axe II and III. They're great for that "Everything in a small lightweight portable package" type of gear. I always use them when on tour. Makes things much easier and consistent. As much as I love my tube amps, my axes are great fun too and have their place. Keep the vids coming Tony, and thank you!
You will know the differences on this one then. Quite a few. Well there is no (or far less) lugging gear when you use any type of simulator system and that's a great advantage. I also consider the I/O and switching to be extremely important especially in a rack system. If you saw my rack build pt1 you will see the gear coming out - and that actually does more from 95 than all of these today re switching and loops etc. The tube stuff I will always have really as the sounds are so instant and have that 'feel' that NONE of the simulators I ever tried give... it is just different. Remember this, I probably like you in many ways... but even I have bought a simulator, in my case the Helix, but what it is does not really matter. It's the fact that I bought one to use rather than just review. So I have a real reason for one. For me its the effects, the I/O and the switching linked to the price I paid... and simplicity that made my choice and I know that there is really nothing out there equivalent. They all have plusses and minuses, its all about what the buyer wants out of the simulator... notice I'm not really using amp sims? Suits me best in my environment. Great points and thanks for posting them. Stay safe.
Horses for courses...Id go Helix Rack for the FX editing 🎸
As an engineer I can assure you, all digital products come down to the firmware/software engineering, processors are jellybean parts. It’s the code that makes the product. It looks like every other professional piece of gear I’ve ever seen. It’s performance is on par with it’s price. It’s the highest of the high end. I own a Helix and wish I had the AxeFx, because honestly I’m a little frustrated with the line 6 software. Many products are built like the AxeFx 3 and they aren’t 2 thousand dollars, they are closer to six or eight thousand, so fractal is selling quite a few to get the cost down to only two grand.... Sure you could buy all the parts for 3 or 4 hundred and assemble them yourself, but then you’ll need a hire a few software engineers for a few years to make it actually do anything at all. When your done paying them a couple million you’ll most likely have something that’s inferior to the comparably cheap fractal. Because they were able to make the top of the line product with what seems like so little proves they have incredibly smart engineers at fractal... better than any other company that’s trying and failing to complete with them... If you want to knock a company for overpriced gear I’d take a look at AVID, their stuff is 10 times the price, your looking at a hundred thousand easy to buy into their gear... $4,000.00 for their latest piece that’s built pretty much the Axe3 and you need $10,000,00 in software to actually run it... so the Axe3 is pretty cheap no? It’s not a consumer product, look at their customers, it’s almost 100% big name bands and touring artists, professional recording studios etc...
Thanks for the info. Strangely in 2012 Fractal Audio mouthed off greatly about their 'SHARC' processors and how their equipment was far superior and using processors that cost 'hundreds' each. Of course it was in my opinion a load of twaddle, but that's the way they were. The software is most likely a derivative of the same stuff from launch years ago and in that respect I guess that the costs are rather different than writing it all again from scratch. I have a Kemper and a Helix and I like both better than the Fractal III simply because of the over complexity of the fractal unit. And I said so. Sounds? I'm more than happy with the Kemper and the Helix uses a real tube amp and not simulations offering me a real tube sound rather than some simulation from ANY company that frankly are shadows of real tube amps. It's clear you like this product and that's fine... I have no problems with that, but unfortunately most people have a good idea of costs and yours seem from another plateau. Where I come from Chinese products are far cheaper - as is software development for that matter. Thanks for the post nevertheless because it does show an opinion contrary to what I found when I reviewed this product. Sounds? No better than Kemper. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial new quad cortex uses sharc as well
The Axe FX III does NOT use a SHARC processor as shown in this video.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I don’t believe I said that it did, just referencing the Sharc processor in general as your comment refers to them,
the cortex uses 2GHz Quad-Core SHARC DSP
Yes rather better than many out there... Thanks and stay safe.
Always enjoy your reviews. Thank you. Had the AXE III, had the Kemper Powerhead and I have the Helix. All had strong pluses and minuses. I have kept the Helix and have also bought a Stomp.
Thanks Bill. They are all different really in a number of ways I agree. I own a Kemper since 2011 (or early 2012) and there was no doubt that unit had/has the best tones for amp sims (of course that's always a subjective point), but today that Kemper gathers dust really. I bought the Helix rack as an effects and I/O unit and disregard the amp sims completely really. The axe-FX a friend loaned me but I could not see myself spending the time alone on that - Ha I wont put the time behind the Kemper! The Helix? I got that at a great price brand new and that is pretty simple to use and for an effects unit that's what I need. So why did you sell the others... always good to hear - it could be a 1000 reasons :) Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial well I like you felt the Kemper was very realistic in feel with a good amp profile chosen but in the same breath, it wasn't to me as functionality in terms of getting there. Most profiles bought and created took a lot to get to where I was happy with the end results. What's funny is I was using a Line 6 HXFX with my Kemper because I really liked the effects and the overdrives. The AXEFX to me was way too much.. Just a lot of time wasted as well. I am using the amps in the Helix. I have gotten to the point where I have a template with my standard go to FX's and IR's as well as outputs via no IR's and poweramps (Orange Pedal Baby and a Seymour 170) in a wet/dry set up into my Mesa RK412. The Helix amps have been easier for me to get some great tones in less time than the other two. It's been 8 months now where I am not fiddling with trying to fine tune all the time. Just playing now. Happy with this setup which kind of blows me away everyday. Lol.
I used the Kemper to profile my own amps generally and bought a few 'profiles' but to be honest they seemed not really as good as the ones I created (maybe technically better but they sounded no better to me). I thought the OS system is reasonable on Kemper, but even that has bloated and become more complex over the years. They all seem to I guess. The template route really is the way to go on this stuff I agree, and currently am building one or two myself... mine based on @JasonSadites who is a really good guy with the stuff he posts here: ua-cam.com/users/gtr111 and I can recommend him. Thanks for the info BTW... always appreciated. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial 100% concur. Also on Jason Sadites. Funny you mentioned that just now. I just finished copying one of his videos on a Placater setup for some recording I am doing later today. Lol. Have a great day or evening where you are.
Great minds :) Thanks.
I own an axe fx II XL+, I do not know the processor inside of it, but to see that the III uses a chip created in 2012 is really disappointing for the price the unit goes for. Thank you for the video.
The chip was designed in 2012 it seems. They did make different versions of course, but that was the design time. I also noted that the Quad Cortex coming out uses (I believe) 4 x SHARC processors... I wondered when I was looking inside why they stopped using the SHARC ones when Quad Cortex (a brand new product) does. Sorry I don't know any other answers for that. The Axe FX II series I believe used the SHARC processors and the III used this newer one from a different company. Thanks and stay safe.
Great Video Tony, thank you for your honest review/comparison.
Thanks for watching this video. It IS a very long one I know, but there is interesting stuff in the contents. The other 45 minutes not in the video was also very interesting... but there you go and thanks. Stay safe!
So Tony...Between FX 3 Rack & Helix Rack...what’s the best unit...I watched your video and see you have the Helix set up in your rack...that’s says a lot to me...?? Am I correct to say it’s Helix?
The best unit is the one you can get on with that's best for you and that sounds best for the music you play. There is no 'best' unit in simulators... a winner... in my view does not exist simply because what one guy loves another might not like. But some things might sway some guys to particular products. I bought a Kemper in 2011 for example because it was the only product on the market (even at launch) that could profile an amp. It was a feature that I really wanted to see. Today I hardly use it. But it's as relevant as the day I bought it. Stay safe.
I think a good sound is a matter of perspective... I love my Helix tones wat better than my buddies Kemper tones. I don't think AxeFX is better than Helix, or better than Kemper, they're all great units imo, don't care what people say. If you can't get a good tone out of either, you didn't try 😂 Also, awesome video as always man 👌
Yes they all have something to offer I am sure or they would not sell. I looked at the Helix five years ago and it was a shadow of what it is today. I also own a Kemper... but that really is an old design and I am always wondering exactly when that unit will be obsolete... but it DOES sound good. The Helix rack I bought for a great price and it works very well as a guitar interface, effects and all the rest, although for me the effects are more important than the sims or IR's. The FX III was far too complex and that did contribute to achieving less rather than more from that unit... whereas the Helix rack did it all with ease. Thanks for the info... and stay safe.
Don't get me started on the audio. You seem very antagonistic. I created at least four tracks of audio on the Axe-FX III and uploaded a video of that. Then the horrible nasty type came along. I won't expand, but funnily enough they are all logged with IP and other information including the ISP. I won't be threatened by those type so why not go back there to your mates and ask which ones were threatening and abusive? I took it down later because of personal threats from those type of people. You might think that's 'OK' but it is not. Being a rude person on here will get you nowhere except that you won't be posting any longer. How rude. It costs nothing to be civil and this last post is once again turning personal and nasty that frankly devalues reasonable product like the Axe-FX is. Mickey sorry this guy was like this on your post. He won't be back.
Good honest review Tony...not for me either on various aspects u highlighted...saved me a ton..!!! cheers
Thanks for the kind words. Some people don't see my review in the same way and that's a pity because I don't know any other inside and out review as I did. It's not perfect, but that's life. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I got a lot of abuse from forum members when I had experience with the line 6 x3 live. It was my first digital unit and I bought it as I was just starting to use midi so thought it would integrate with amp etc. 12 months in and still no midi that was advertised on all supplier pages. I returned and got the bOSS GT PRO after much frustration and unbelievable abuse from people in the forums )someone introduced me to the term "fanboy" for a person who won't hear anything "bad" about a product they own, even if it is the truth.... I had people attacking me and another guy because we were angry the product was advertised as having full midi capability but as I mentioned it still didn't have 12 months after product was released. It wasn't AXE FX expensive but it was enough and midi was a core component for such a product.
Whilst the BOSS GT PRO isn't the most amazing unit, especially in comparison to contemporary units, it's user interface and editor software were extremely easy and intuitive to use... I still have it too as I love some of the FX in that unit.... I'd likely get the rack version of the latest BOSS unit if it ever came out. So many modern fx are so complicated. Many of them are far more difficult than learning to drive :O
Best wishes :)
I too get a lot of abuse for writing some reviews - that involves personal attacks about my character, abilities, honesty, you name it. That's how those people are. But I have learned that while some comment reasonably, the others that make aspersions about me I watch and smile because probably like you, I can see people with a stance that is generally untenable for so many reasons. My advice? Ignore them - I just ban them these days and leave them to chat on their forums - a place often not worth visiting unless you want abuse especially if you want help or if you comment about the gear in any way. I think I reviewed the Boss GT Pro some time back - and the GT-100 was pretty cool too - simple to use and incredible value for the money! Those are things that matter and re the FX-III that unit was IMO over complex by a long way. Thanks for posting your story because ordinary guys know that what you say IS relevant! Thanks....
@@tonymckenzieofficial Yes whilst the Axe gets amazing talk, it seems that whilst I can be a TWEAKER NOW i have gear I enjoy, it would be too much for my needs. I wouldn't use so many aspects. I also like some of the stereo source audio fx I have. I'm generally waiting and watching with the quad cortex too, as you said...
The user interface on the gt pro is stil very easy to access amp and fx blocks although the former aren't great and you do have to do some menu diving but I always found it relatively easy to get sounds and save to midi and program midi controller with and was a novice to midi at the time (not much better now :) ) Thanks for replies and sound advice :)
I once thought like you about MacOs........until I used it. Then I realised its an absolute software / engineering masterpiece. (this coming from a lifelong windows fan)
Not requiring drivers mentioned in the video is a common thing for most if not all hardware on mac due to the way it works, rather than manufacturer bias. Drivers are more of a windows thing. Great ain depth review. Fascinating to watch.
Well I do sometimes joke about re Apple gear :)... indeed on a video I created recently I called them obsolete :) - which in reality they are not of course. Stay safe.
I've had both an Axe FX Ultra and an Axe FX II, and while I enjoyed the units I would spend more time arsing about tweaking stuff that made 0.5% difference, or trying to make a new tone/patch with another amp, than actually playing. I now have an HX Stomp and have the tones I use set up and rarely ever tweak anything as there just aren't any more parameters to tweak.
Regarding amp model quality, most things sound good through a good tube power amp like my VHT 2/90/2, even the old red Line6 bean! I hate "direct" distortion tones anyway, need a cab.
The Fractal fanbase love to go off about the flexibility and power of the unit, but for me that was its downfall. It was like having a Ferrari when you only ever go down the local shop for a pint of milk.
Indeed I always said they are too complex... and they ALWAYS take up much time. On the FX III I particularly disliked the so called 'extra' knobs and buttons not found on the regular real amp. Its one thing simulating the real amp, and an altogether different thing when there are then knobs and buttons that my guess turn a real amp simulation to well, another amp simulation that's nothing like the original. The distractions are enormous and one of the main reasons I always sold them, along with the pittiful support and abuse I got for telling it the way it was at the time. At least I tried :) Thanks for the post, a very genuine opinion for sure, and thanks for watching.
A Ferrari body with a Volkswagen power train they just don’t sound like live tube amps unless you’re driving them with a good tube power amp but even then the preamp suffers hell my old MP1 ADA even has two tubes inside
I’m a real geek over these things. Trained in electronics at college many years ago. Used to build pc’s now build guitar pedals and tube amps as a hobby. So these types of videos are an easy like for me. Keep ‘em coming Tony. Thanks.
Thanks...
Mr Tony Thanks for this videos, I would like to see videos like this from pedalboard something like line6 helix lt or the old AX8. All the videos are very informative and value. Edited: I just found the video from pedalboard Line 6 Helix Thank you !
I did review the Line 6 Helix here: ua-cam.com/video/0sN-bwrDf2Y/v-deo.html and that runs for 1 3/4 hours showing more about the Helix than others ever did at the time and maybe even now. The firmware has updated since. Oh I see you found it... well I hope that the Helix review was good for you. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
Hey Tony,Great video...I just bought a Fractal FM3,after being on the waitlist for over a year...I had a Helix for about 2 years,and just could never quite get it to sound like I wanted....so I got the Fractal....I think it sounds very,very good...In my opinion,it sounds and feels better than the Helix....but....as you said,it’s very complicated,and at the end of the day,it’s still an emulation of the real thing....has its place,but won’t replace my real tube amps....Just my opinion of course....I do not like the price either....jury is still out if I am keeping the FM3.....
Well I think on this sort of gear that it's horses for courses really. What might be good for particular users is likely not suited to others. For me the Axe-FX III was not personally my cup of tea, but there are many users out there so indeed they do sell. Of all the ones I have tried the best sounding is the Kemper, with others following up reasonably close. The Helix rack for the price I paid (about £875.00 brand new) was a bargain for sure and it serves a purpose. I agree with you regarding the tube amps. I have yet to see ANY of those simulators actually achieve what real tube amps do... incredible tones, simple to use, very cost effective, can be low cost, best tones in the world... you know what I mean and that right there is a common thread that goes through nay opinions. The 'feel' of the simulators is not the same either, when you use a simulator you really can 'feel' that difference. It is strange really but a simulator does have its place. It's a matter of which one. Another thing, I reviewed the Helix rack five years ago and while it was 'OK', like most simulators that was all I could muster... it was OK. That Helix rack of today is so different, and that was one reason I wanted to revisit the Helix as part of a review actually. My use will generally be effects. Thanks for the info and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Yeah,after owning the Fractal for a month or so,I have been thinking about the Helix again......I had built up the Fractal in my mind,being so much better,that I thought it be the Be All,End All,modeler......so it was kind of a letdown.....don’t get me wrong,it can and does sound very good.....and it does have its place....I have never tried the Kemper,but at this point,I am thinking of just returning to using my real amps with a modeler/processor for switching and routing FX......Some people can go all in,sell their amps,buy a Helix,Fractal/Kemper,and be happy.....I am not one of those people.....I still like real amps and pedals....I agree with you on the feel thing....a modeler is a mic’ed up amp in another room sound....very different from raging amp and cab in the room....I am seriously considering the WAZA TAE as an alternative.....or even the Synergy stuff....I enjoy your videos and point of view on this stuff...very informative.....
You know what Scott that is similar to me. I prefer real tube amps, but the effects and I/O switching etc. are valuable in my opinion. As you say some guys swear by them... I often swear at them, generally because when you cut right through the hype (from any of them!) they are at least for me a 'make do' device but the time involved in faffing around is not really justified. I have little enough time as it is and investing even more time can't really happen right now. I recently bought some more tube amps and whether around £700 or others used (£1100) those amps sound so good in about 30 seconds from turn on. The Helix for the effects makes perfect sense and the Axe-FX III does not for me as that complexity is way overdone. The Kemper IMO does not have effects that are any 'better' than the Helix rack and it costs more. I tried so many of these darned things just to get where I am currently so likely I'll stick with this current incarnation because it works and relatively easily for great sounds. I have always tried to get across what I have looked at no matter what the gear and there's no doubt it is interesting, but it can be difficult, expensive, hard work and even not quite enjoyable when I have to deal with the wrong sort who assume they have a 'monopoly' on opinion. But that's the internet I guess. Thanks and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom ...I know exactly what you mean....I think I may keep the Fractal FM3 than for no other reason than I have invested a month of digging thru manuals and menu’s just to get where I am....The FX are very good,and 4cm with a real tube amp is pretty good sounding rig.....It costs half of an Axe3,because it is half of an Axe3.....I won’t be purchasing an Axe3 as I thought I would......or I can sell this and actually make a fair bit of money,as the waitlist is so long to get any of these Fractal products.....I do not like that part either.....Let me ask you this,,does plugging your real tube amp into your Boss TAE into the computer sound better than a digital model of the same amp??Always wondered in that scenario,if there is any difference??
There was no waiting list for the Axe-FX III my friend said. It might have changed of course. And I hate to say this, but bearing in mind the origin of some of the bill of materials maybe a waiting list was created by non supply from the origin? Now that's not my experience particularly with sea shipping but who knows... On the TAE I don't do it that way very often. That has been shown on some of my videos (as the recording method) but I tend to take the amp in to the TAE, out of the TAE in to a 4x12 1960A (or sometimes the older reissue cab like Hendrix cab) and to a microphone. I can completely control everything and it sounds (to me) perfect when recorded. The TAE direct to desk route I used setting 9 with absolutely standard IR etc. and recorded it sounded very good indeed. I would occasionally do that but I think I have better control with the Mic setup. If I 'double track' I always play it twice. You might notice on the Marshall SC amp I recently reviewed that I used a specific microphone that is basically two mic's in one in perfect phase and one is dynamic and one powered. I can ping one mic left and one mic right and that can create a very good sound with the TAE. I will be looking closely at the Helix and that 'MIMIQ' pedal for double tracking the rhythms most likely and that will be on some video when I get a chance.
I have to agree about 'putting the hours into it'. I was one of the first people in the country to have a Fractal Audio unit back in 2009. I was using it before 99% of people had even heard of the company back then. I've had multiple Fractal units over the years and currently have an AX8 in my possession. Anyways, I finally got to the point of being totally fed up with option paralysis. I mean to be fair...do you HAVE to spend hours upon hours editing and tinkering with the unit(s)?...not really, it's a choice, you could dial a sound up and be happy. The problem is more often that not that's exactly what you end up doing simply because you have those options available. If this is a good or bad thing is in the eye of the beholder. I now am currently using a Kemper and I find I can call up a profile and bang, I'm happy with minimal tweaking...generally just tweaking the Bass, Mids, Treble and that's it. So now I'm playing instead of endless fiddling with the damn thing. Saying that, I've still always really enjoyed the Fractal units and they sound great in my opinion. I'm still really shocked at the cost of manufacture but it doesn't surprise me really. Another great video Tony.
Very good info. I get your point also - it's a bit like buying gear... let me expand. I'm sure that there are many guys that are 'gear hounds' and always want to buy gear. They tend to do that (and I'm no exception here) to get that 'new' what ever it is device and it will change their playing for the better - or it will this or that. There is ALWAYS a reason - it's so much better etc. When you buy ANY simulator (and I have tried near enough all of them) I can guarantee just as you said, that you WILL sit there being a computer programmer. If that gear is complex (some more than others) then you WILL spend so much time messing about trying to achieve something that in reality can be achieved with a tube amp generally in 30 seconds. But you wont (nor me) be deturbed and soldier on... and on... and that is one of the key things I really don't like about the Axe-FX III - it even has the knobs on an amp that don't exist. I Understand why, but there is no doubt the 'fiddle mode' will make I guess almost anyone want to look closer for when they find that 'unattainable sound' in their heads. For simulators I thought the Kemper sound the best but the effects I thought are no better than the Helix rack I just bought. It's true in your comments to say that it is a choice to meddle around with the parameters.. but my guess is that most will. Minimal tweaking is king - it's just like an amp. To be fair to all simulator makers, tone is subjective and while some guys don't like some simulator tones they might like others. For me the Helix rack is purely to be used with a tube amp (good ones) and the I/O and effects are where that is at for me in rebuilding a 90's rack back to todays stuff. Great interesting stuff you posted and thanks for that. Stay safe too.
Well tony does something i love as a musician and as a PC builder.
He takes apart the Tube amps in this case he breaks down the Axe Effect 3 and looks at all the components what's not to love about this?
I like in this video he broke down the prices and I'm shocked that the axe effect 3 uses such cheap and out dated technology for some of the Chips.
The Axe Effect 3 shocking sounds very good for what the specs are but They are turning a profit for each one they sell based on how cheap some of the key components are.
Well, to be fair to those guys, what happens is the chips age pretty rapidly (How does Kemper still have those at 12 years!) and then they become obsolete. Often the board would have to be reworked and that does have costs. Ha rather like the PC business in fact! New chips every other week :). But I always think that taking a look inside really does show what I'm buying and if there is anything untoward (I have seen a few times on different gear) then I will always show that - it's not really me showing it, but the maker - who generally don't always consider that someone might look inside... Thanks for watching and for the post.
Great Review!!! Thanks Tony!!!!
My pleasure! and thanks for watching...
So many people who've owned both say the Axe Fx sounds better than the Helix. So few have said the opposite. Fewer still have said there's no difference. It's not confirmation bias. It's not that Axe Fx owners are more vocal. It's a useful sampling of opinions. And the price has very little to do with the cost of the internal components, and most everything to do with the cost of the labor of the software engineers to invent the code that makes the Axe sound so amazing, and the time they continue to put in to develop all the FW revisions that continually improve the Axe Fx III.
It was not a 'question' really about sound - that is subjective really. What sounds 'good' to one guy the next guy dislikes. But my overall conclusions were that the Axe FX III was too complex for many situations and I do think that's a major contributor to the rise of the Helix as well as the price difference. The Axe FX (as I showed) can create anomalies that are even far from the original amp designs that it is supposed to be simulating. And that added complexity as I clearly showed in the video is very off putting to many different players that I speak with. The Helix on the other hand is created by an incredibly large and powerful company 'Yamaha' and I doubt they are going anywhere anytime soon. My original review of the Axe FX III showed many more reasons why the unit might not quite hit the mark to the most sales where Helix clearly has, but through harassment of showing what others never do I removed those parts - but they remain as pertinent as the day I showed them all on the original video. EVERY company 'continues to develop' the software etc. on all of these types of devices - that today is nothing special. Even the 'bottom end' devices offer much by way of bang for buck from what I see. If there was anything to criticise in the sector generally it could be Kemper and its 10 year old design still being sold which will at some stage will stop because of discontinuing of the components - it can't be far off can it? At least on the Axe FX III it's a newer design. The Helix has matured considerably over the years and has grown in numbers of users from what I see and that certainly does not relate to anything except that those buyers like the Helix. It would be wonderful to know the sales numbers of each brand and THAT would be an eye opener for sure. Interesting points and thanks for the post and for watching.
Yeah, not long after I bought the 3 they put out the MARK 2 TURBO with exclusive functionality. Isn’t that kind of them?
Fair and honest review. The comment about the age group that typically purchases and uses this equipment is spot-on. It’s mostly for bored, old, former bar band players or bedroom players, with more money than talent, who want to tinker. Or a very few pro players who want effects lumped in one place. Or if they are a recognized name, they’re more likely pro’s that were given the product free to help promote the Fractal name, and maybe have a one sentence blurb for Fractal to put on their website in return. All pro player boards I’ve seen had actual pedals and those players use actual amps.
Modelers are a tiny, tiny, minority.
The Fractal website is kind of lame in that “wait but there’s more!” kind of way. The “turbo” nomenclature for an overclocked, but quite ancient processor is pretty funny.
The “list price” thing is just stupid. Nobody thinks they’re getting a great deal at $2500 just because the manufacturers suggested retail price is a gazillion dollars.
The warranty is short. I agree that the consumer price to production cost ratio is too high. But I’m sure the profit margin is ridiculously high on each unit.
The owner of the company is kind of full of himself. His online interactions on the forum are defensive under even the mildest questioning or criticism, and there are plenty of bootlickers on the forum willing to oblige and praise him every time he farts. It’s kinda weird seeing all these full grown men hero worshiping some guy who couldn’t care less and only wants their money,
and for his company to try to stay ahead of or with the competition.
It used to be that Fractal was clearly better than the competition. But if you’re interested in playing and not the latest virtual knob they made you to play with, you’ll find that in most shootouts everybody has caught up now. And in the mix, Fractal has zero edge over the competition.
Touch screens are way easier to use. There are settings in the Fractal that are pretty worthless IMO.
It’s pretty disappointing that old Cirrus $2.00 DAC chips instead of some serious AKM, Burr-Brown, or ESS chips are being used on a unit that is being touted as an “audio interface” as well.
After 3 years with the Axe FX III, I ended up building another pedalboard. There are some things that digital doesn’t do very well IMO. Fuzz, Treble Boost into cranked amp, Uni-Vibe modulation to name a few.
Now at 4 years, I’ve compared it to other modelers and the competition has gained ground fast. The Helix rack-mount is far less expensive and head to head sounds at least as good. the Quad Cortex has additional modeling capabilities and far more processing power. Boss is on the verge of a flagship that will likely bury all other floor modelers with their next model. The GT1000Core hit a sweet spot for board builders and those in need of a fly-rig, that trust Boss and Boss effects, and they proved that Boost and EQ along with the quintet of a Roland Jazz Amp, Fender Tweed, Vox ACxx, Marshall, and Mesa, are more important than 100 independent amps when it comes to finding the right sound.
The point is, Fractal isn’t the novelty it used to be.
The brand cache is wearing and there are other players offering as much real world usability at a much better price, with enough left over to buy one helluva nice guitar.
I read this post top to bottom. And I can agree with most of the comment you made on the different gear. It's also good to hear your opinion about the stuff - its not far from my opinion either. Sincerely thanks for spending the time to post it all - and it does shed light on the many aspects discussed on here. And BTW thanks for watching. Excellent post.
Ive seen old pro players in clubs with a zoom or an old Vox tone lab and sound great
That can be true of course. The 'older' guys often can sound good on almost ANY gear... thanks for watching.
Of course running any of these through an amps power section into a real cab is the best in my opinion. I use one just to get more channels on my 800 . Great videos, your the best !
There are many that use a real amp and cab. Some will tell me there's no difference but I think there is really. Thanks for the kind words...
some great points! I think it is a great unit, I can't afford one for sure. I agree though it really does overwhelm the player and most people would never really use the majority settings in there . I think a lot of the products out nowadays, tube or solid state are a little over priced . Some tube amps are really expensive for what you get. All of the products sounds really good . I guess if it is a value to the player that is buying it . great video as always. Thanks!
You know what, you're exactly right on the cost of gear currently overall. I see many items that I could go and buy to review (the latest flavour - excuse my English spelling!) and some of the prices are ridiculous. In particular there are many 20-30 watt tube amps I have considered that are so expensive it is honestly sad to consider that sane musicians could even consider the cost of the amp. It was one reason when I reviewed recently those two Marshall Studio series amps (the SV20 and the SC20 limited editions I thought they were such an incredible deal at about £700 or so (including 20% tax and shipping). And no one anywhere has asked me to say that! I bought them without even further consideration to price - it was excellent. Then I could talk about other brands (but I won't) where the unit was either double or four times the price and I hate to say it, while there were a 'few' (and I mean a few) bells & whistles, those products either in other respects similar or in one case actually should not have been even sold (yes it was THAT bad). There are many guys that like the Axe-FX III for the sounds of course - or they would not sell any. For me, I really don't think that what I personally saw as disadvantages would have allowed me to own the Axe-FX III for what I want. The price, the complexity, the 1 year warranty (which I always check) and that sort of thing did not offer me really much difference than with the Helix rack (remember I won't use the amp sims for example) except saving 2/3 of the cost difference. I did consider other simulators too, but I already have the Kemper and the rest had one issue or another so I bought the Helix rack. Some guys will really like the Axe-FX III but I am also pretty confident that the complexity will also maybe cause others to think carefully about that. Thanks for watching and stay safe!
Sorry to here about the complaints. Seems like there is a small percentage that just having nothing better to do that troll and cause folks problems.
I have for the most part used rack gear or the newest thing at the time for the last 30 years. My first processor was a Digitech GSP PRO21. I paid something like $700 way back in the early 90's. What a piece of junk. I had to send it to Digitech for some mod repair right off the bat. They took about 1/2 year to send it back with the defects patched. It still had issues. I vowed to never buy another Digitech product again. I have had most of the Rocktron rack processors and for a day the floor unit the UTOPIA. Returned that as soon as I got it. It had some software bug. I liked the Chameleon, Witch Doctor, Intellifex, and Prophesy. I still have and use the Marshall JMP1 but would like to try the platinum Voodoo Mod. Very expensive. I went back to Digitech to try the GSP1101. The reviews were very good. I was fairly impressed with it. Then I tried it using the 4 cable method through the JMP1 and into a 9000 series Marshall amp into a Marshall 4x12 with the real V30's. I use a MIDI MATE to change patches. That set up was the best I have had. I am always curious to try new gear. The Axe FX and Kemper are just to expensive for me though.
The video was chopped by about 45 minutes as it seems some could not handle what it said. That's OK but they have no right to threaten etc. My opinion was always as valid as theirs. Ha you sound like me :) I think mine was a GSP2101?? rings a bell but I have seen so much gear I try and forget :) And many more. Intellifex yes. I see exactly where you are and I have certainly been in that are with rack gear. Some plain junk and other stuff OK but overpriced. If you check my last rack build using the Helix rack here: ua-cam.com/video/HJHCG0k_oTY/v-deo.html you can see my old rack in there and a closeup of the Helix rack. For me, upgrading the rack I had was time I guess. I have tried most everything over the years... but I had a card come through the post for 15% discount on 'anything' (BAX shop) really to attract me back as a customer. I located the Helix rack and it was the cheapest out there, and after the 15% extra off I would have been silly to not buy it. For me, I'll keep the tube amps, add the Helix rack to control I/O and effects and that's it. It is a great upgrade and works very well. Kemper effects are not as good really, and the Axe-FX shown in this video was three times the price (silly) and for my purpose as an ordinary guy it fits perfect for me. The Marshall amps I always liked (but not the transistor ones! - been there and done that too - 80's) and the Marshall rack stuff JMP1 etc. are good stuff. Thanks for running through your gear it brings back many of my own memories too and always nice to hear what other guys do with racks... and IMO are racks are the way to go (stay) because cost wise they are substantially less cost than individual pedals and all that mess. Stay safe.
Do you take into account software r&d? Cost of hardware is only one part of the equation.
Indeed I did mention that in the video? Did you watch it all? And clearly, the software while it does carry a cost, it is pretty reminiscent of the older software that was developed many years ago but with updates. So it's right to apportion some cost but the software is so much like other simulators like Helix, Roland... etc. in fact they ALL provide software even on units that cost 1/3 the price of the Axe-FX III and some of that I would describe as very similar. Care is needed when trying to guess the cost of software, but all the companies have that cost and my view is that if you have companies providing the software in similar fashion on equipment substantially lower cost then it's likely that the cost could not conceivably be that high per unit. Of course, if they only sold 10 units then proportionately the cost per unit for software would be very high. I have seen evidence on the internet however that they (and other companies) don't sell just ten units. Bearing in mind that the software is also supporting other products from FA and from all other companies respectively for their equipment then my guess is that the cost is not that dynamically high. I did not identify the origin of the software, but many companies these days sub-contract software authoring as like hardware the costs are lower. Thanks for the point... ands stay safe.
Good review Tony. I saw this unit the fx2 a few years ago when it first came out but no in-depth and Frank opinions about the product. When it originally came out it was a bit ahead of the competition but they missed the chance to integrate into a floor unit like Line 6 and Boss etc...
I know this review is a couple of years old and they have now got floor units that offer similar flexibility and pricing. Today it's a level playing field. It's a shame that some people are so insecure that they're not flex-able enough to accept the bare facts. Keep up you honest reviews Tony and don't let the trolls win.
Your fans and the truth seekers will always be there 🤪
My original reviews of the FA gear was in fact 2012. I was ridiculed greatly for showing the issues I found by the very aggressive mob on their 'forum' (I'll call it that). I also reviewed the V2 and the V3 and while the gear has improved the 'fanboys' have not. One thing I found on the V3 review is that I researched huge amounts of info, even where the boards ship from in China.. needless to say no one likes that info being out there... almost like they are ashamed of the real origin. I can bet that right now they have massive chip problems. The FX3 was not a 'bad' piece of gear, but for me and many guys I know it's pretty much a sledgehammer to crack a nut really - too complex. The Helix rack can sound extremely good and I bought mine for 1/3 of the price of the FX3. That says a lot really. There will be continuing downward pressures on FA I am absolutely sure but I suppose that applies to all the makers of the simulators. Yes you're right, everything moves on at an alarming rate... and I can see Kemper making a new unit - that thing is 2011 and way past its sell date - although it STILL sounds good. Thanks for the post and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I didn't realize it was that long ago...where have I been all those years🙄
Well I was probably playing with my Peavey classic combo and a contemporary Mexican Tele with the keef bucker in the neck😜👍🙏🪕🎸🌈
:) clever handle BTW :)
The 10 digits on my 2 hands want the 6 strings on my 1 guitar (at a time) to be as free from complexity as possible - your video is a clear plea for the spontaneity of creativity - thanks.
Ha I agree. There is nothing really simpler than plugging in, turning on, flip the standby and no faffing, no 'its near simulation' just plain and simply the best tones in the world... from a bona fide tube amp! I know you play acoustic :) but it's all so much simpler than having to mess about for substantial time with basically a computer, let alone the learning curve. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Actually, I almost never play acoustic these days, and especially since I built my 2 humbucker guitar at Crimson - and I have a few other electrics as well, and a Fender Jazz Bass - but I tend to use simple fast setups, not digital acrobatics. Stay safe and productive.
OOPS - see my assumptions :). But I'm sure you get what I mean. So what was that like at Crimson... I have seen some videos etc. but always best hearing from customers! Let me know... and thanks
@@tonymckenzieofficial Here is a video of my 6 days there - it shows the whole experience, which was fabulous: ua-cam.com/video/ywRAv2ihB_c/v-deo.html
@@aipsong Hey thanks for that... I'll take a look...
I’ve owned both. Helix sounds just as good imho and it’s half the price. Pretty simple choice for me. Be blessed everyone!
I have owned both too. This Helix was about 1/3 the price of the Axe-FX, far less complex and sounds fine to me too. Some criticize the Helix, but I can guess that Line6 (Yamaha) will have sold thousands more of the Helix. Thanks for your post.
I have to stand with Tony here and with free speech, especially since all this is well backed with reasoning and evidence (btw being abusive and threatening is not a free speech right). I have been thinking about a small multi-FX for a year now, both to complement my 5150 Iconic combo and the planned addition of a 5153 combo later this year in terms of the effects I need for Van Halen songs and to serve as something with good amp sims when travelling on vacation. The FM 3 has been the leader in my thoughts all along with the Boss GT 1000 Core as the dark horse. Long story short, I find the FM3 preamps, effects, connectivity, and editor easier to use and a lot more comprehensive than Boss 1000 and Tone Studio. I can get a 1000 Core open box for around 500 in the US and I just might to give it a shot but I am not happy with its single master delay. Since i have an Eventide Micropitch and an MXR phaser already, I may just get a DD500 and an EVH Flanger instead...(the Boss 1000 Core does not have the full DD500 functionality). Or just go full EVH SDE 3000, a cute "little" (it is huge) 600$ delay pedal for a hobbyst LOL. But all that still leaves the issue of wanting a do-it-all small-factor processor for travel and minimal number of toys/stuff at home...first world problems though, cannot really complain....Cheers
A very well balanced post Steve and thanks for the support on that stuff. Just FYI I am currently creating a review of the SDE-3000EVH reissue and that looks really interesting. I can't (don't) play EVH - to me he was a god, like Hendrix, Santana, Vai, and so many more I could name, so No Van Halen playing from me, but an interesting device I bought UK for £399.00 (inc 20% UK tax) which is a good price I think (probably $500). Check it out when I post it as that is also an inside and out review too. Thanks for watching...
some valid point brought up but supply and demand governs the price of anything. If a pasta dish costs $2 to make at a restaurant and people are willing to pay $20 for it then that's the price. I also feel it's expensive but if people buy it then that's what they will charge. Apple set the bar of ridiculousness mark up pricing a long time ago and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Some people still believe that if a device is priced high then it must be great and worth it. $1000 power cords? Million dollar cars? $200 pairs of socks? There is snake oil everywhere. Not to say that the Fractal is such, it does sound terrific and I am happy with my Fm9.
As much as anything I disliked the quality where no one looks - inside it was far from perfect. The other problem (at that time) was that you had to go to some forum to get any help. That was a really horrible experience (in fact very unlike for example the Kemper and Helix forums and support) and absolutely why that device did not meet what I would call a reasonable price. They do lots of things that ultimately I 'took down' because of harassment, but make no mistake, if you had seen that review then maybe your opinion might be reflective differently. But that's OK, these days there are so many devices and many that are exceptional at half the price or so and you don't have some forum to get proper support from. Thanks for watching...
I understand. I have most people set as ignored on that forum. For some reason many people have purchase bias and feel the need to be fanboys of products they own and belittle other products just because they invested their money. I'm actually the opposite. If I paid 50k for a car that was awful, I'd want everyone to know about why it was awful and not worth the money.
Thanks for the info... its always appreciated. Yes some forums are just that way and some others are no problem. But I guess its par for the course these days. Thanks again.
I think a better word than complex is BLOATED: my story with axe fx (ultra) is not a happy one : so I'm really reluctant
to upgrade: I NEED a harmonizer that's customizable for voice as well as guitar: this harmonizer is a major achievement.
I've got a steep learning curve with learning keyboards as well as a ton of material that soaks my time: If I upgrade to 3
it will be because i don't need to tweak: having to make changes though when performing in different venues now concerns me:
Thanks for your insight. BTW my unit arrived without a power cable and in one instance when i was instructed to open the unit to fix a noise problem, I couldn't they had used a stripped screw in an earlier repair: NOT COOL!
That is an equally good word from my experience. The unit for me had way too many things per preset (I'll call them that) that for example were not on the original amp they were simulating. And basically 'extras' throughout the editor and firmware that most ordinary guys might well be unfamiliar with. The Helix I bought eventually does not have that problem and it cost me less than half the price so for me that made sense. I tend not to use the simulated amps either. But its down to what someone wants or 'needs'. I think ANY new gear we buy these days does have a curve involved that takes away lots of time (even the Helix) but it seemingly is whether the user can 'lose' that time. I certainly don't have it spare. Remember my opinions are just my opinions - others disagree and some are basically rude. The best way of course, like I did, is to try one out. I'm sure it's good for some guys but it was not for me. On the quality of the Axe-FX III the general build I thought was much improved over the Axe-FX II. I never had any problems with either units, but I only ever made videos and sold one and gave the other back to someone else so my experience of 'warranty' is not there. If you come from using Axe-FX you should try one would be my advice... it might be what you want? Thanks and stay safe.
I would love to watch the full uncut review
Ha me too :)
Thank you Tony.this was riveting.
No rivets... or were there? :) Thanks.
This is an excellent review…..it’s amazing how little hardware we are paying for and how much 1s and 0s cost these days….grand displays with a saddle for the firmware to ride on. Hard to justify the cost next to a Wizard, Bogner or Mezzabarba, then isn’t it?
Oh I agree - some will tell me it's all cost for the software development etc. but that was clearly done on axe fx1 and axe fxII so axe fx III well, other than a bit of fixing what had issues its all plain sailing... and that processor price - the money certainly was not put in to that. Main board, case and other stuff made in China and shipped by sea is another aspect of cost... they keep their cost low and jack the retails... and as you say little/no comparison to the real deal amps. Thanks for watching.
I believe they used the electronics shortage as an excuse to increase the price just like every friggin consumer product. I'm frustrated with the increase of everything since 2020. Some items have increase 100% since 2020.
@powerseostrategy In some sectors there was increased cost of some components... I know of one (not in the music sector) chip that went from around $0.99 cents to around $10.00 because of the supply side of things - it was hyped through the roof. But to be honest, I'm not always convinced that happened to everything out there and other makers did not seem to have as much aggro maybe. Thanks.
Nice job as always Tony.
Thanks Matt... and stay safe!
amazing and full review thanks
Not really... this is about 45 minutes short of the real review I completed. Some people could not handle the other info I provided. Thanks for watching and those kind words... appreciated and stay safe Mahmoud.
Very informative video. I am a bass player and I want to up my tone game mostly for live gigs. I am currently using preamp and overdrive stomps with backline amps and cab provided in venue. If I want go in and buy one of these multifx units, which one would you recommend. These units aren’t available in my county for me to try one out so I will be going in blind. Thanks again for providing amazing videos.
Well these days there really are so many simulators out there and things have changed even since that video was completed. I have seen most of them, but a few escape me for the time being like the Neural Cortex which has continued to improve many tell me. Personally I own a Helix rack and many of the lower cost simulators like Boss GT-1000CORE and those types of units... but from what I saw of the Axe FX III that was overly complex for most tasks - great if you're a pro in the studio and all that stuff, but for regular guys I thought it was an overkill really. Even a simple device like the GT-1000CORE can offer you up to 24 'slots' of effects etc. and don't assume they are 'junk' because the unit costs a 1/3 (or even less) than the Axe FX III... or nearly 1/2 the price of a Helix. It's so easy to be over complex and complicate what should in reality be a simple task. Honestly, I'm no bass player so I can't really suggest a specific device for you. BTW I also own a Kemper rack that has some really good sounds and amp simulations but my caveat with that one is that it's been around since 2011 or thereabouts without updates from what I see - so in the world of simulators its older than me! And that IS concerning because what happens over time is that chips used could well become obsolete, and in that case any maker would have to redesign. Personally if they released a 'new' design Kemper I would buy it... but I see little in that way regarding ANY info coming out of Kemper... and that's a pity. Remember these are just opinions but I would consider the mid priced stuff rather than just 'jumping in' at the top end re costs because its very likely that you don't need to spend anything like what you might have thought unless you're a fully fledged pro musician... so look carefully and if you can ALWAYS buy from where ou can send it back without aggro ;-) Thanks for watching...
It does take time and effort to develop with these chips. Eg, the Spin-FV1 was released in 2006 and is still in recent guitar pedal products - probably because it is/was an awesome chip. Cost of a Spin-FV1 is about 11 quid (just bought a couple to get into DSP).
As an analogy, what about the valves in the early Fender amps? Should these be disparaged because they are old components in modern designs?
Actually Texas Instruments will provide recommendations (as do Intel and many others) for the series and their other infrastructure chips (as I pointed out when I read the specifications of the processor) to what they see as uses for different applications as I remember. When I was involved in the Singaporean company I distinctly remember Intel providing even a complete layout for the ir 'NEAT' technology for manufacturers to use as the bare bones of their own designs and I think that's still pretty much the direction. I could be wrong and I have no problems in admitting that about the TI chips (but it was on the spec sheets - why not pull it down yourself and see it). In any case thanks David for your points every point that someone posts is as relevant as the next! Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial - Hi Tony, As a hobbyist, I've been looking into getting into DSP and found that the Spin FV-1 (at 11 quid) plus the free SpinCAD and Spin-ASM tools seemed to hit the right price point for me. :) - plus it seems to have a community around it. There seems to be alot of DSP kit on ebay which is in the hundreds of pounds which is out of my range. Thank for your "no-holds-barred" reviews. Keep safe.
You are correct in saying the Helix rack is better overall in many instances. But, overall I like Fractal products for my uses. Do you plan on reviewing a Quad Cortex?
Well it's all down to the user and the use of the gear. Most other gear is pretty much easier to use and that attracts the higher sales most likely with the reduced costs too. But the FX has a place of course. I am considering the Quad Cortex, but have hung back a while so that all the buggy stuff etc. might well not be there by the time I buy one. I like to see products that have had the odd upgrade etc. as its a better way to look I think. From my experience most 'version 1.0' of anything is, well, version 1 :)
I do have an Axe fx III. The newest upgrade to Cygnus algorithms blow away Helix and everyone else. It’s pure magic and Cliff actually has new patents on the technology. It’s the best sounding guitar gear I’ve ever played through. The price in my opinion is more than worth the cost.
No problem with that. But the comment is subjective ('it blew away Helix and everyone else') is not actually based on any fact or survey? So it's an opinion and that's OK... but for every guy that tells it like that for the Axe-FX III my guess (and it is a guess based on sales not bravado) is that there are about ten times as many of all the other simulators that might disagree. But that's the fun of liking a product and I get that for sure. Thanks.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I'm actually using the Helix stomp and Axe III at the same time. The combo is perfect!!
Ha that should be interesting :)
Wow. Just found your video. Great content. Been an axfx3 owner for a couple years now. I completely agree with your assessment regarding it's over complication. Initially I was overwhelmed with option paralysis. I actually almost sold it for that reason. Spending hours watching videos to learn which settings to fiddle with in order to craft the tone I hear in my head was such a daunting task. The end result was an absolutely killer tone when recorded and played back. Even my old guitar teacher (die hard tube guy) kept going on and on in disbelief over "the guitar tone I was getting out of that thing.". However, when playing through headrush FRFR12s, Yamaha hs50m studio monitors, or a Yamaha PA it just felt sterile and lacking something. So I rolled the dice and built a couple celestion spec cabs for their f12-x200 live response speakers specifically for modelers and IRs. Celestion nailed it. Feels like playing thru a real cab instead of a sterile PA. I admit I only really use the one preset I made but it's a simulation of about 15k in equipment. For me the biggest conveniences are saving time and money not buying, trading, selling, looking for, or trying new gear to find my sound. Not to mention I don't have a mess of pedals, cords, or a monster rack of gear anymore to contend with. This one unit has replaced it all and is a good audio interface as well. So yeah, it wasn't a turn key solution by any stretch of the imagination. I am super happy with it though. Btw fractal is charging 750usd to replace an out of warranty failed DSP...I know of two instances in the last month. Not sure I'd stick with the unit if that happens to me.
Thanks for watching Justin (case) great name... :) The FX-III does have a place of course, but in my opinion not so much in the mainstream and regular guys arsenal. Some disagree... but a tool that takes a very long time to get to grips with might well be passed over for simpler stuff with similar (subjective) tones. The Quad Cortex is simpler and cheaper. Your aspect of 'only one pre-set you make and use' is NOT that out of the question either - my guess is that if you made 200 of them you would simply not use them... most could make them but then they will have wasted so much time. Audiences rarely hear ANY difference. I have tried most of these types of gear and the selection these days is far more extensive and now there are lower cost devices too - even FA made some. Thanks for the info re the processor. It could be possible to change that yourself at a lower cost of course. Thanks for watching and the info is great to hear....
@@tonymckenzieofficial Haha...yes..."justincase" I want to remain anonymous...not my name of course...most don't catch it. It really is amazing how far this type of gear has evolved. Another I owned and quite enjoyed was the digitech 2101. Although alot more difficult to configure than the Fractal in terms of block routing. Paid 1000usd in 1995 which is around 1700 in today's money. So in comparison the bang for buck is quite higher with the fractal. Was disappointed when Harmon killed digitech. Oh well. I suppose this is one aspect of industry that drives innovation. Thanks for the quick personal response. I don't subscribe to many on UA-cam. I will however subscribe to your channel. Good stuff Tony.
I think the name is cool :) and I don't blame you on 'anonymous' for sure. I did think that the FX3 was useful for particular uses, but for an everyday guy (most of us are) it's overly complex I thought for the sake of being overly complex. Most guys could struggle with simpler gear and when the harder stuff is so pronounced I do think its a reason (along with a high cost) why it may well sell less units than many of the others around 1/2 to 2/3 the price. The Helix cost me at the time about 1/3 for a rack unit and it was really offering everything I needed. Digitech a name I knew for a very long time. And indeed I remember the Studio Quad well among many others... like the 2101.
Tony...do you have any thoughts as to why my Sennheiser G4 wireless seems to really dislike working with my Axe FX3? So far I've used it with my Hughes and Kettner Triamp MK3, and a KSR Colossus...I have my FX3 connected in 4CM. If I take the front of the amp out of the equation, just going from the wireless to the front of the amp there are no issues, but as soon as put the G4 into the FX3 then all hell breaks loose. At one point it seemed to be "cured" when the batteries were on the verge of conking out, but when I changed the batteries the problem came back with a vengeance. I also had an experience where if I turned away from the amp the squealing was awful, but on turning to face the amp it disappeared. I'm totally flummoxed...I've used many wireless units, and my fave is the Sennheiser brand, and they've always worked flawlessly. Could the Axe FX3 be causing something, and can it be cured? Thanks, Tony.
You might describe 'exactly' what the problem is... hard to grasp from this... I'm certainly no FA encyclopaedia though :)
@@tonymckenzieofficial sorry, my mistake…the problem is what can only be described as a ridiculously high pitched squeal. Movement away from the amp doesn’t cure it, neither does turning the guitar volume down, or even off, and it only happens when I use 4CM. Like I said before, FX3 for effects in the loop, and wireless straight in the front, no problem, but complete the 4CM, and that’s another story. By the way, where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?
It still sounds to me like a feedback squeal re a preamp tube... look carefully at them and change one at a time...
Have you any plans to take a look inside the Neural DSP Quad Cortex? That is surprising that the chip is nearly a decade old. Lots of great observations as usual :)
I do intend to buy a Quad Cortex at some point. On the chip date remember thats the design date and sometimes different versions of the same chip can be released later - but they still have the same basic technology in there. Thanks for watching...
@@tonymckenzieofficial Ah right... Thanks :) re processors.
Great video Tony...really opens ones eyes to what's actually going on in the industry. One question - for us home bedroom players what is the best solution to getting good tone at reasonably low levels or with headphones? surely a nice JVM head with cab would sound absolutely killer, but most of us just cant do that. what would you suggest for getting good tone at home?
Well I think it all depends on what style of music you play. That could easily determine what you would look at or consider. For example clean stuff, and there are lots of guys where that would suffice, is easy to achieve with most gear. But it's when you want more driven tones that much equipment could be a problem, like you said, a JVM might/is loud. But for only home and bedroom stuff (not necessarily recording) then there is so much gear out there now starting from as little as £100 ($130) upwards it's mind blowing. Tube amps at £100, simulators at £200-£250 there is incredible choice. Many now make lower cost simulators - Line6, Fractal Audio, Roland Boss and so many more even Mooer is in on the act. But the phrase 'good tone' is a difficult subject I think. It's different for almost every guy I think. For example, if you played 'Hank Marvin' Shadows, your 'good tone' might well be different than that for a James Hetfield Metallica tribute band that I could guess is wildly different and each guy might well dislike the tone of the other one. Climbing the price hike is probably not the answer either. I always recommend trying out whatever it is you consider and see if that 'good tone' is actually in the item you think it's in. That really applies to everything that relates directly to the chain of sound from the strings, pickups, guitar, cable, pedals, amp, speakers etc. IMO.
So the question you posed remains difficult for someone to answer... in fact the answer really lies in the user themselves and no real amount of others telling you that product X is the best does anything except to add that item to the list of gear to be checked out. This is a simple question Sean, but honestly, I believe it is one of the most complex to answer properly. We all have our own opinions, but ultimately it has to be the 'choice' of the buyer that matters and not some sales pitch from anyone.
Thanks and stay safe.
Tony, at 2:10:56 you have a message on screen "Maybe if the maker had a 'simple' menu for people that are not accustomed to a high level of complexity.........." Fractal offers exactly that; a mode that displays just the controls that are on the actual amp modelled. I use both Fractal gear and Tube amps and like both depending on what I am doing at the time.
Hi Tom, I agree there IS a section for the 'amp' in question, but that's not the case in all the other stuff Tom, like the speaker section and the IR etc. which in fact the maker reports a high level of technical ability IMO. I did show some of that complexity in things like power supply design and so many other areas on the software side of things. That's all good of course if you come from designing power supplies, or maybe are a laboratory sound engineer (or a mad scientist!) but for the people with the most purchasing power (38 and over) they typically come from nice and easy simple tube amps. Check the comments posted here and there are a number of people that do use it... for a time, then they get far less interested later. My guess is that the majority of the buying public probably are not technical in the way of the world in those parameters that you might have to use to create great sounds. Remember those words... 'it's a professional piece of gear for professionals'. I think you missed all the other gear regarding the technical bits. But that's OK... some people like that stuff. Thanks and stay safe!
Hi Tony, it all comes down to personal preference really. I am 55 and did my first gigs straight into a tube amp with absolutely no effects. I enjoy my Fractal gear and find that as the firmware has progressed it is not necessary to mess with all the advanced parameters on offer. Just use the basic controls you are familiar with and you can get some amazing sounds, and not have to worry about lugging heavy amps and speaker cabs to your gig. Anyway, its all good with all the options available so we should all just use what we prefer or suits what we are doing at the time; there is no reason anyone has to use tubes or modelling amps exclusively. Take care Tony and thanks for the reviews, I don't always agree with you but appreciate what you do.
You are correct, it IS a personal choice of course. Some guys want/need that sort of depth of control, which I did say. The sounds I achieved were acceptable of course, as they are generally on most of the amp sims out there (I had trouble with the GT-1000 V1 software which sounded very brash at the time - but maybe even that's improved... I can't easily go back to it. The Kemper improved, but this Helix improved for me to the point that I chose that unit for price (£875), effects, ease of use etc. I have no personal use of amp sims really but they are there of course on all of them. I use the Helix with a tube amp... and for me that offers the best sounds overall. But it depends what someone is happy with. Guitarists can be very picky, and some of the guys I know have not liked a number of brands of simulators (its not just one brand). The Helix was cheaper with the I/O and switching than any other choice I could have made and it is not inferior IMO in those areas really to any other. Perfect for an tube amp based rack system. The thing is, I try and always show alternative views on most gear because then its possible to see stuff that ordinary channel reviews never show. At least that's the plan :) Thanks for the comments... and stay safe.
What about the new Neural DSP unit? What are your thoughts on that?
I don't really have any at this point... but from what I have seen its rather like a Kemper... bought up to date, where the Kemper is a design from 2011 or before. If I get one I'll certainly complete an inside and out review. No rush though at that price... :) Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial From what I have seen with the quad cortex, the User interface is attractive to many people (myself included) and reduces some of the complexity of the axe as you mention. However, I notice many people say they will wait and see. I see many also refer to positive grid and how things didn't seem to pan out for them with their hardware products.
I don't know what the issues were with positive grid but I noticed their units seemed to go discontinued quickly then they came out with something in the boss katana/ fender mustang price range.
I am beginning to question whether or not to bother with such a unit. I have hx stomp and fx pedals but have a couple of tube amps I love (I'm of the age group you mention that grew up with a tube amp and a couple of pedals)....
My friend has a kemper (he uses simply because it is lighter and so cheaper / easier when they're touring than taking tube amp and fx unit/ cabs - especially when going to Europe - now with added issues of visas etc) but he basically found some presets he liked and uses them and probably uses less than 1% of the kempers capability...
Thanks for the grounded overviews of such products... I'll be very interested to see your video on the Neural QC if it ever happens :)
Thanks for the info on the Quad Cortex... it is likely that at some stage I will buy one. I have Kemper and have tried most others :) I will let the unit improve a bit from its early release as often the software improves pretty quickly. Creating reviews of something like that could end up being very long but probably worth a look... we shall see. Thanks for the post and for watching.
@@tonymckenzieofficial price is going to go up Tony on the quad cortex.
Appreciate the time you’ve taken to make this video. Recently, I had just built my very first PC with pretty expensive components and I have to say, I’m surprised that the processor for the fractal III is that old , having learned a bit more about value in components used in a build as it relates to pricing and longevity.
As you rightly put, this doesn’t make it any less powerful in it’s own right - yet, it’s some food for thought as to the cost of each components and use that knowledge respectively in the situation that’s applicable for you as a guitarist.
For example - I currently own the Axe fx 2XL+.
I’ve owned it since January of 2016, I believe? It’s still going strong. Your video proves what I’ve already (sort of) assumed.... I simply don’t need to upgrade.
I believe your video can really help people that might be considering going into the digital guitar modeling world for the first time and desire to come to some conclusion as to what would best suit their needs based on what they want in conjunction with their budget.
Well it certainly was based on a design from then as it said on the chip itself. But it seems most if not all of these simulators are that way, and the Helix has the older SHARC chips. Similarly, I looked at the Helix 5 years ago (I think it was) when it came out and it still has the same basic hardware (so dues Kemper BTW) but the firmware and editing has improved as it has on all these type of units. My guess is that you can likely do most the stuff you want on your unit and all makers have 'new models' (just like car makers :) to tempt users to buy new. But as to whether we really 'need' that is another story. Great point.
You know, I tried the GT-1000 when it came out, and between THREE guys we could not get a good sound from it, the editor/librarian etc. was not right and I distinctly remember the 'Satriani' pre-set as sounding so bad. That unit will be different today. Everything moves forward at a rate of knots really, and ANYTHING technology based (and I should know about that) ages and devalues at an alarming rate. Other equipment I have been involved with can rapidly come to EOL by using components that go 'obsolete' by the original makers and often without an equivalent. It's nothing new and certainly is not limited to regular computers as we know them.
Thanks for watching the video you have some great points in there with lots of down to earth common sense really. Stay safe.
tonymckenziecom Thanks for the response, Tony! Sometimes, I think the truth is simple (conceptually speaking) , but there are a lot of nuances and variables that can be defined in helping us choose the right gear for us.
In my case, I’m 28 years old, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 12? Back then, when I was in my early days - no one I knew had even used amp modelers and we all played in our garages with tube heads. This all changed not long after, of course. I know I’m not ancient, so I hope it’s not misconstrued of me being some wise sage that’s been around to see guitar evolution for the last 40-50 years... but a lot has changed in the last 15 years or so.. to say the least and requires a new perspective about consumerism that we as guitarists, haven’t had to discern in such a way before.
With that being said, Fast forward to 2016 and finally became aware of fractal and proceeded with purchasing the XL+ & the MFC 101.
I did have to work with my XL+ a bit to get it sounding the way I wanted to for recording purposes. Using it live (with a 5150 II head and the MFC 101 + Orange V30 4X12 via 4 cable method) , I found it *sufficient* , but not necessarily ideal considering what I paid for it.
Fast forward to this year - I had recently purchased an orange pedal baby and a custom 2X12 FRFR cabinet with 18 mm birch ply loaded with the Celestion F12-X200’s.
I didn’t find them a complete game changer compared to other FRFR solutions I had tried. However, I did notice at least a more pleasant sound with its response to my fractal. I’m not sure that I could articulate if it’s the saturation, or the slight coloration? In any case, I’ve come to my final conclusion on where I stand and maybe if you have a video discussing this, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts:
*My conclusion being - I don’t think I’m going to put too much attention on the progression of amp modelers anymore without first putting much more thought to how much technological advancement is made within the market of FRFR solutions and the various power amps being developed over time*
*Would a better processor or a better design yield better results in the actual quality of the amp sims and cab IR’s? Or is this just going to become the cancerous side of consumerism where we boast about headroom and capabilities and yet, no feasible application where the headroom is even necessary, much less utilized*
Too many variables to really understand the full scope of it, perhaps.. Regardless, I think as guitarists, we need to hopefully try to consider all the ingredients involved in the recipe for having an ideal rig.
This brings me to my interest in the VHT 2/90/2. This has been used by fractal guys and other guitarists using various amp modelers. It’s my understanding that the KT88 tubes are pretty clean and transparent but really have the amp-like qualities of vacuum tubes? I’m sure there’s others that might even be better that I have yet to read up on or learn of.
I’ve never seen or heard a guitarist using an FRFR *cabinet* , the Celestion F12-X200’s in conjunction with a power amp like the VHT. Or at least I can’t find but a few people in the wild that have tried it as of yet. I will bite the bullet and spend money on this in hopes I can get closer to the transparency, yet still have the “amp-like” quality AND being able to utilize the Cab IR’s that I enjoy.
Anyways, apologies for the long comment... but I figured I’d share. A lot of my friends find satisfaction with their Seymour Duncan power stage or whatever Class D amp driving their fractals or digital modelers. I find a lot to be desired and lacking in those rigs... and I really didn’t stray too much further away from what they have in purchasing the orange pedal baby and I see that in retrospect.
Hopefully, there will be some new power amps or I can learn of some other existing power amps on the market that can really cater to the nuance of some balanced coloration (for a lack of better wording) while also using the *necessary* capabilities of a digital modeler that allows us to use our full signal chain without having to tweak to death.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my initial comment! Hopefully my thoughts resonate with you in some way that you might be able to address some of this with the guitar community if you already haven’t.
Thanks again,
A great reply. When most people look at me they see 'an old guy' staring at them through the screen :) and that's fine. I am old. However, I was originally a mechanical engineer specializing in fuel injection and in 1980 I walked out of my job, built some 'new fangled' computers and started writing games. In the mid 80's I was selling a 40 foot truck of computers a week, and needless to say I was visiting many parts of the world and closely involved with a number of manufacturers. Indeed at one stage I owned part of a Singaporean computer manufacturer. Needless to say that I have remained in technology to this day even working after retirement 'because I want to and can' and I really enjoy what I do. I remain involved with technology and supply some of the largest companies in the UK with what I do. I won't expand on that.
Since 1971 I have played guitar. I'm no pro for sure and I can play cr*p and I can play well depending on many things... but people could say that about just about any guitarist. I have seen so many things guitar and music related and used most stuff out there - some good and some less good.
I certainly am not someone that does not like technology or it's general influence on music and guitarists that's for sure. But I have to admit to one thing, and I have yet to hear from anyone (other than it saves a bit of weight argument) explain to me why they spend on any guitar amp simulator often thousands of pounds with the FRFR, the specialized speakers, the simulator itself, the time the effort and even on occasion the change in techniques why they do that, when they are simply trying to create what we already have in the form of a tube amp. Any tube amp.
You mentioned the FRFR stuff and all of that. I have some of that gear here... my opinion? a waste. Why? Well I have over 20 tube amps and don't have to have FRFR to get 'a good sound'. Some could say well Tony is 'missing the point' - ha they do sometimes, but it seems to me that ALL guitarists (including me) are always chasing 'that sound' through either the next great guitar, effect, amp, simulator, bulls**t from some marketing or you add your own things on the end of here. We ALL do it. And we spend a fortune on basically nothing new.
You hit the nail on the head on a number of occasions in your post and that's great to see. The 'processor' for example will likely not change the tones IMO although the extra power could be used for further processing by effects or other stuff. There is a lot of marketing in the music business particularly aimed at guitarists and it seems to me that there are many guys that actually 'believe' what companies tell them. A very silly approach to money and you won't have it for long when you believe some of the rubbish they say to sell equipment.
I could talk about this subject of equipment incessantly. Once in Taiwan, I stood in a queue getting my allocated $250 a day (Taiwan government rules) and standing right next to me were two employees from Alesis USA. Basically doing what I was... how quaint. So my business experience over the years was and is far removed from likely 99% of the so called 'experts' that are often just good guitar players and have no clue about anything else particularly. Nothing wrong with that, but watching videos on UA-cam shows me how narrow minded and with poor real world business experience many of them have and often simply because they only do one thing. While I am a 'master of none' at least I have had an incredible time since 1980 in technology, and have seen far more than basically a plank of wood and a few strings to base my opinions on. It's one reason that some makers out there don't like my video content of their products. Some even tried criticizing me when I gave a 9/10 score on their products. How funny is that.
Nothing in this post is aimed at you BTW they are just generalized comments about music and gear and why I have ended up sitting here typing this post at 67 years old. No money making, no ulterior motives, just plain old ordinary guy comments based on what I have seen since 1971. Now go on have a laugh... we all need that these days right? Stay safe and away from the madding crowds.
Yes I like to look at new gear of course. Strangely (?) I just bought a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier... I have had two of those over the years, and sold them a while back, but even before I get that amp here I know exactly how it will be and I know that there won't be some guy (from any simulator brand) poking away at next weeks software 'update' that would change things. The triple will eat all of that for breakfast really. :) I'm sure that at some point the software based stuff will be the 'same' as real tube amps. But I don't really think next week :) Stay safe.
Did I mean messy bugger?
Great insight Tony. I've definitely not got the time to get to grips with this kind of thing, looks incredibly complicated
They are possible to grasp of course, but as one simulator guy said recently that I saw 'you can spend longer faffing around than playing' and that's not any one unit... its the lot. Stay safe.
hi thanks for making the video very interesting to see. why the chips so old in a unit at this price? do you think they gonna release a new one soon
They release new ones all the time :) but at the moment I guess ANY chips are good - world shortage for everyone including them! Thanks.
@@tonymckenzieofficial but i gotta now when to componments are so old does it have more cpu performance than quad cortex ?
Ask Quad Cortex people... sorry...
I have real amps, ksr artemis is my main tube amp. I got plugins. Went through a few modelers. I had an axe fx ii which felt and sounded better than the helix... i returned the helix instantly. Cant wait to try the axe fx iii.
For a recorded guitar sound, the difference between plugins or modelers and the real deal is getting slimmer and slimmer.
The things fractal and neuraldsp and mecurial... and ml sound labs is doing is AMAZING.
Well as @Nickolas Guitars below said, tone is a funny thing and what one guy likes the next guy might not. I have experience with FA and Mercurial. Mercurial is really great stuff of that there is no doubt and for the price is excellent value. I never found the FA stuff that great personally and for me the Kemper (for the amp sims) was far less nonsense and sounded better. You are right there is a difference between the plug ins and modelers for sure, as there is with real tube amps also. The tube amp still wins (based on my 20+ amps). You have a really great amp there in the KSR Artemis - you lucky devil :) I liked Mercurial for a number of reasons. Firstly when I looked at the Triaxis equivalent, it did not work correctly on 4k screens, and you know what, Mercurial solved that really quickly if I remember that correctly. Companies like that who are very customer focused I always have time for, whereas some others spoil certain aspects by not really following what they should, or for example offering poor warranties etc. and that suggests certain things when they do that. The best guys always offer either lifetime warranty or extended warranties - 3 to 5 years is typical of many companies. In any case, it's likely that it's the first time you have seen what's really going on inside the FX III and I hope that was useful. Thanks and stay safe.
Next one would be the FM3, maybe just to know if it has a backup battery, which chips are actually used, etc. :)
Unlikely I'll go back and check any more of the Fractal Audio gear...
@@tonymckenzieofficial Wow, some bad experience?
I've learned to play easy songs when I was young why not tray more complex music . The gear are the same..for me just the price is what make me a part of it.. I've got Axeii years ago even today got astonished how powerfull it is . So I can image the axe III twice impressive than 2.. despite of the money I don't have to limit me if I can..
Ha the 'old chestnut' of 'twice as powerful' I always laughed at... and that marketing 'you'll never need anything else' I distinctly remember too... well you don't - until the next iteration came along. Of course these days there are so many more pieces of gear than back in 2010 (I think it was) and the world of simulators is very different. It amazes me how Kemper is still selling over 10 year old designs? Seems users like them but a bit scary because some time the core chips will get discontinued. Thanks for the post... and for watching.
Hi Tony, does this review also relate to the Mk11 version of the Axe FX 111? As a potential purchaser of the new version I would be interested to know if some of your concerns been addressed. For information, I currently use an AX8 with which I am extremely pleased.
Hi Phil, I can't tell you because I have never opened a MK II version of the FX III. My guess (and it is just that) is that they are all likely to be 'similar' at the very least. Whatever brand you open up and look at, from what I see in general the brands are typically Helix are the same, Roland are the same, Kemper are the same, and my guess is that for a design away from the III in general would maybe appear in the MK IV when ever that arrives assuming it does. Honestly I don't have the info so I could be wrong of course. My guess is that the AX8 might be a little simpler to use than the FX III which I found was over complex by far when compared to any of the other brands and units I have owned. But, as always, its what works for you that matters. Mine are just opinions of what I found at the time. Thanks and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Hi Tony, thank you for your detailed reply, appreciated. Keep up the reviews and stay safe during these difficult times. Regards, Phil
Thanks for watching Phil.
Love the in depth ultra geekery review here Tony. Really impressive. What I don't understand is why you had to cut useful information due to abusive replies? Anyway don't let the buggers grind you down, they are more to be pittied. Stay safe and keep rocking.
Well some of that information seemed to disclose some of the things some might not like being disclosed I guess. I still have the master ;-) In any case while the Axe-FX might offer to some 'extra' features over and above the Helix Rack (I never really found them myself) I think that if you want something to actually make music with then the Helix was a hands down better choice because you won't be playing around trying for three months to get the tone you want... basically the Helix is much simpler to use. Glad you liked this - and I later show on another video how I started to create the updated rack. Appreciate the support and stay safe.
Great video... your point about complexity is sadly the way of the world these days - complexity over substance & often missing the blindingly obvious. What a world eh!
Hope you’re well
I know what you mean and it's certainly not limited to this gear. Yes I trust you're OK too. Stay safe.
I watched many of your reviews in sequence and I greatly appreciate them all, including this one. However, I do think that when it comes to the top of the line products, you do miss an important part of the story because you review them as if they were the mass-market products a hopeless beginner like myself would buy: it is like arguing that a supercar is difficult to use and needs too much maintenance. Steve Vai uses FX III in his live rig, The Edge even used FX II in his live rig. Joe Satriani records with FX III. All that really puts any and all concerns to rest if you can actually justify owning a unit of this kind. It is just a very different conversation vs what I am choosing for myself like Line 6 Pod Go/Headrush MX/Boss GX100/and yes FM3. Cheers!
Thanks for the post. Well I do get that point, but assuming that only 'Pros' buy that unit without actual sales data to prove it becomes hard really. You could be right of course! But somehow I doubt it, the hype around that FA product at the time certainly was exposing thew unit to ordinary guitarists and I could bet that FA did not refuse to sell a single unit because the buyer was not a 'PRO'. In fact I can prove it - because I BOUGHT ONE' :) They used to squeal John Petrucci - but most people know he uses Mesa Amps and the FA device seems to be a good effects unit... but at that Price I can buy Eventide - which is the next level compared to a Chinese manufactured item - which in my video I showed - even the shipping of the boards from Hong Kong to the USA. Sadly I was harassed and threatened so the video was later 'cut back' from important information that all people who think they are buying USA products should be aware of... I have not been back to FA for some while and personally I believe that there is better gear around at a better price than investing in a FX3 (or whatever they call it now) because well, I'm more wiser about that product and its path than maybe many others. And I don't need aggro from idiots... (BTW that in no way relates to you! - its just a comment from earlier aggro). When you get to a point of 'duplicating' amplifiers in your product and duplicate all the physical knobs, well that sounds like common sense, but when you add a pile of knobs that were never on the particular amp to create what clearly is then no longer that 'original' amp then well I guess the thing loses much if not all of its credibility in the 'same' as the amp tones race. Anyway, I could talk for hours, but I doubt that it matters :). But I do appreciate your points and thanks for watching. Had you seen the original video then maybe you might have had a different opinion but its not online any more.
Two of the biggest touring bands in the world (U2 and Metallica) rely on Fractal night after night in stadiums for their sound. So, I know who I'd believe.
Unfortunately, like everyone else those bands are currently likely at home just like you. Thanks.
Those bands use them for convenience and consistency. I don’t consider Metallica the industry standard for great tone at any rate.
@70mcnevin agreed... the unit is generally an effects device ask JP... and did not really impress me at the time.
@@70mcnevinto me, hetfields tone has lost the bit of jagged edge and ferocity of the mesas and diesel combo. TO MY EARS, the guitar tones sound hi-if and sculpted beyond what a tube amp does….in other words it removes some of the limitations of tube amps and as a purist, I can’t accept it. Sometimes limitations create unique combinations of gear and tone and playing - I’ve always enjoyed that sort of messing about.
Tony has always had a bee in his bonnet with fractal
That is a little unreasonable really. When I see products with issues I ALWAYS mention them irrespective of the maker... ask other makers and Fractal Audio had problems IMO. As well as literally lying to me about a domain I owned they threatened me with 'we own the trade mark' rubbish. That company will NEVER own the trade mark simply because you can't trade mark it. Sadly for them they did not own it as I checked. I don't like companies that threaten and lie in that way. Do you? That's the real question. Thanks.
Good video with a lot of info, although I prefer Boss
Well it hopefully offers something others never show... and thanks for watching.
All your you videos do, love them
I was going to buy a mesa boogie mark V 25 until I found out that with a Kemper I could own all the best amps in the World. Then along came the AM3 which sounded good and was more in my price range. But the Kemper has been around for a while and it would just be my luck if I bought one just before a new version came out. As happened with the Yamaha thr10. So I'm just going to wait and mess around with Amplitude 4 while I wait for the next great thing.
You know what Dave... that would be EXACTLY what I would do if you want a Kemper. I think the Kemper is a good device, but it is very old (I think 2011 or thereabouts) and if they are not creating a new one as we speak I would eat my hat. It's a good point to always look at how 'long in the tooth' any computer based gear really is, because the sector moves along at a fair pace. While they are not exactly the same as a computer, there really are so many similarities I am often amazed at just how long they do go for before the next refresh. Great point. Thanks and stay safe.
I had a similar thought. I was either going to purchase a Mark V 90 watt and a 2x12 ret cab or the Axe Fx 3. I chose the Mark V and cab. I've had the Mark V since early 2019 and enjoy it. Plus I can have the thing for years and the price will never go down to where used ones cost. The Axe Fx 3 will be junk in 15 years because of new technology and to be honest paying way over 3k for the unit and the board is a loss i don't wanna take. Where as the FM3 is only 1k and will retain its value in proportion % better than the fx3 in the same time. I believe in 2021 I'm gonna get the FM3 to replace my pedal-board. I'm tired of the damn things. People can do what they want but a major downside to having pedals is the noise they generate.
The MK V is a great amp - I have had two of those altogether. Need driving right, but once you understand it a bit they are great. I think in general ALL of the sims in 10 years will be 'has been' products because coming from technology I have seen it so many times with computer related technology. Who wants old tech? So that's one of the issues and it's unlikely to change IMO - in fact as newer tech comes on then the old stuff sells ultimately for a song... I was not a pedal guy really. I have a few of them of course, but the cost was mystifying for pedals with silly names or paint jobs that look like they went wrong :) I come from rack gear where for just a few hundred in cost you got everything really. Some of the pedal boards out there could cost thousands, and as you say the chain IS noisy. At least on these digital choices its improved in that respect if not on the price side. Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial Exactly my thoughts
Exactly... Stay safe
If the evening goes well entrance will be by way of “exit”. 🤣🤣🤣
Ha... it's a long video, but it's 45 minutes shorter than where it was originally. Just think what was removed ;-) and I hope you got through this by now - it is a long one as I said. Thanks and stay safe Jesse...
which Op-amps they used ?
Should be in the video... thanks.
Great, detailed review. Very thought provoking when you get into the details of how much parts cost ( like the power supply etc). Strips away some of the manufacturers hype
Thanks. Well as someone pointed out there are other costs too, but those tend to be software based and I could guess that those costs spread over all the gear might not be as dramatic as some might think. I was of course guessing the PSU from experience, but often power supplies made in China are really cheaper than you think. I know I could easily get a quotation on one extremely similar for the sort of cost I mentioned. What surprised me was the processor. Thanks.. and stay safe.
tonymckenziecom I think that the software side will be the future as iPads, tablets and PCs become more powerful. These combined with the new generation of midis/ Bluetooth controllers etc. will be more affordable but a lot depends on the way companies want to package and sell the software and there’s more profit to be made from Axe FX, Kemper etc.
Stay safe to mate and keep up the good reviews
Not sure iPads will do that much... I have been in technology since about 81 and while they are useful devices I don't see myself using one for the next 48 track masterpiece that I write... as Presonus might have me believe :) But I know your point for sure. It's still not that fast these days and it could be some time before the hardware is fast enough (or cheap enough that includes that high speed) is available. I had an Alienware PC about 4 years ago, and I had to wait until recently before getting a 'faster' more capable unit from them. The problem was this... while it is undoubtedly faster for sure, the price was similar to what I paid those years back. But it's a good point for sure. I would hate to see guys like Marshall dropping making incredible tube amps for as low as £700 (recent reviews I did) that all this other stuff really is compromised about the tones. I'm certainly not backward at going forward - some are, but unless it's actually 'better' I'm not sure there is any advantage really. Thanks for the reply... and stay safe... that virus is waiting!
tonymckenziecom I don’t mean replacing real amps, I don’t think technology will ever capture the feel etc. It’s the hardware modellers that I was thinking about. I currently have the strymon iridium, fantastic and sounds great but doesn’t compare to my JTM45 or Mini Jubilee etc. Maybe you could look at the Iridium in a future episode. One great piece of kit I picked up is the Line 6 powercab plus, using that with a real amp via load box produces really good in the room sounds at home use volumes.
I have considered looking at the Iridium...maybe. There are many guys also saying the power cab plus is adding to the final tone nicely. Yes achieving lower volumes IS IMO important and anything that helps is good - as I have often said, while guys have bands etc. there are so many that play around at home, I think they are far the biggest users out there and that's actually a god thing because it increases sales beyond only bands or studios. Thanks for the recommendations too - they always carry weight for me more so than general reviews because users find out the good but also the less good features. Stay safe.
You are awesome, nice job.
Will you check quad cortex?
I have considered the Quad Cortex a few times so far. But it has yet to be reviewed by me. Strangely someone also asked that question just minutes ago as I go through the posts... Well it might happen (no doubt it will) and of course when I do I'll be looking very close indeed. Thanks for the kind words and do check out some of my nearly 380 reviews on my channel involving amps, sims, effects, guitars, even strings! :) and thanks for watching.
First of all, many, many thanks for the time and effort you have put into this video!
I am happy to know that the world isn't completely dominated by "Big Brother" watching, PC-WOKE-CANCEL culture imbeciles.
I'm also happy that this world still has people with curiosity and desire to understand the inner workings of what the vast majority of people today would buy, use and throw out into the dumpster, never knowing what they held in their hand and why.
And finally, I am happy because despite the first 2 points, there is also some decency left in this world, lingering in people like you.
Thank you and I look forward to watching many more informative and professionally made material on your channel.
P.S. I own Axe FX3 MK2 and by some miracle didn't loose my mind and have not become a Fractal groupie ready to dismember anyone who dares speak up about it. Go figure...
Hi Adi Solar... you have a really great outlook on things and that is not really very dissimilar to mine really. I find that on ANY brand of product when some don't like what they see (or hear) then they can become over bearing, threatening and rude simply because I made a video that shows a product in ANY different light than what they would otherwise insist I create in a video. Of course they all remain the minority, because there are very many subscribers that watch my video 'inside and out' reviews. And it's nice that you own one yourself but can see further than what some out there clearly can not. A really great comment and it's appreciated. And thanks for watching.
What about FX III TURBO version?!
Do you still think the helix rack is the best unit of its type now?
There are so many good units these days and while I have tried very many of them I have not tried every last one. The Helix rack as I own is a very good device for controlling a rack, for the I/O, for the effects (pretty much like all of them out there for effects) and the simulations are OK... I tend to use real amplifiers for real tones myself though - but that has been the case for a while. I also think the Kemper is getting old now and while it sounds as good as it always has done (I own one of those too) it's long in the tooth and undoubtedly there will be the discontinuation of the chips inside that will cause the maker to develop newer units (often that is the case). The Axe-FX III when I did look at it, was reasonable but complex and for that complexity that many users would likely never use, they are actually paying for others to use that same complexity. It's not something that should be ignored, but great if you want to be a programmer rather than a musician. The Quad Cortex I believe is still 'improving' so I'll leave that out for the time being really. I do feel that's the current state of play out there though. Of course everyone and their dog all have their own opinions and it's a pity they don't create the video reviews that I could watch of theirs.. now that would be fun. BTW nice channel... Thanks...
@@tonymckenzieofficial thanks for taking the time to reply in good detail 😁 A QC looks like it might be the one i end up with, holding fire atm. I cant believe the kemper is 10 years old now! Still, those who bought early certainly got the money worth! Your new studio is looking great - could get lost in there for a week straight 😅
If you want to play “tone-shaper” more than actual guitar, and you want to spend the money… I say Fractal is generally the best sounding and feeling, but to me all modelers lack the feel many of us guitarists live for.
Have you made a similar vid of opening up the Helix and analyzing the components? Was really hoping to see the internals side by side.
Indeed I have. ua-cam.com/video/HJHCG0k_oTY/v-deo.html just so you don't think I'm biased in some way eh.... Thanks and stay safe.
Tony, you should’ve kept that fractal video up where you opened it up.
ua-cam.com/video/rxb0nIBIquI/v-deo.html
Isn't this a re-upload from the video you had online a few years ago Tony?
About a year ago I did do a far more in depth review. Part of that is in this video and I included this because I also created another video of the Helix Rack inside and out too. Thanks.
Great review. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to watch the review and there will be a part two coming up soon. Stay safe.
8:25 DSP
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(c)2012
Thanks...
No. Its a Tms 320c6657czh
When you’re right, you’re right, cheap digital junk
Are there any transformers in there?
Also there’s plenty of room for some preamp tubes
Ha I was not looking for transformers and tubes :) maybe the odd spider? or maybe the silicon cement I found in the FXII and later the FXIII. Thanks for watching.
I have noticed that fractalaudio.co.uk points to your site. Are you going to be distributing these in the UK?
Not at all. At one stage I was 'threatened' as they said they owned the trade mark of 'fractal audio'. They did not. I still have the email they sent and the date. They were not telling the truth. Thanks.
I'll take the stealth Marshall instead please :)
Ha me too :) That's a really great amp. I bought the Helix rack for effects and I/O control really rather than any amp simulations and as an effects unit I like it. I have a Kemper too, but to be honest, these days I realize that to get tube amp tones you have to have a tube amp! Stay safe.
I take it after watching this video, the fair price for this is $1,000
Well USA pricing might differ? I did mention the price I got it for here in the UK from a deal BAX Music was running at the time and that remains the best deal I have ever seen on these. Thanks for watching and stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial I think it’s $2,000 new now in the USA. There’s used ones on reverb. They lowered the price. I believe it was $2499.
Its crazy how greedy are this guitar gear industries. It may be the reason behind the downfall of rock and metal as new aspirants can't even effort good gears and cpeap gears doesn't help complimenting their intrest so they shifted to different genre.
Coasting about more than 50x is not reasonable..
Some dudes justify the pricing comparing what apple does.
But iphone does justify its price its latest tech and its may cost 3 to 4x its manufacturing cost..
But guitars gears are soo unreasonably expansive it will bring the gears and gemre to musium.
Which musical instruments cost as guitars nothing !
A VERY valid point on some gear I completely agree. I have guitars that originally cost as much as $30k (I did not pay that!) but are they worth the money? Absolutely not. Loking inside some of the units at over $1000 does make me sometimes question the cost side of things (I came from technology since 1981) and while software can be costly to develop, I often really see the almost same thing over and over and that will have a bearing on the lower development costs IMO. Good point and thanks for watching.
The ignorance is strong here as always. You're not just paying for hardware. The software is much more costly. R&D, overhead, payroll, several types of insurance, frequent updates with TONS of content and improvements, and then you finally get close to the point where Cliff has to feed his family. This is ridiculously low-intelligence ranting of little substance and large portions of real world realities missing. Tony you may make someone a good employee wherever you work/worked, but business ownership would not go well for you.
Calm down. I'm not going in to great depth here, but in 1981 I was writing games etc. so I DO know about that stuff. I also know much about hardware in 1985 I was standing in Taiwan and later Singapore and Hong Kong locating and buying technology gear. I have been a managing director for a very long time, and started managing other employees where I worked at that time since 1975. What the real problem is, is that you don't quite understand my experience and frankly with the comment you made you simply have no clue... like many. But frankly and sincerely I don't care. You stick to playing your guitar, I'm sure you'll be a millionaire one day. Thanks.
@@tonymckenzieofficial yeah nothing since 1981 has changed economically, technologically, or otherwise. Super relevant, chuckles...
Pity you know nothing and are a product of the internet. Now push off.
Interesting review. I'm not an expert but did study electrical engineering in college and I have been playing for many years. I think the bottom line is that the AFXIII remains the relative best unit in the market (why so many top bands use this product.) This positive opinion of this unit is shared by many. In blind A/B comparisons, it usually wins easily. This is not simply a function of the CPU. Of note, many modern devices use some capable components that were developed decades ago. It doesn't have a capture feature which would be nice. It does however have a brilliant PC interface / editor that some of it's top competitors lack.
I'm assuming you could have taking it apart during the return period but it looks like you kept it, so I am assuming you also like the way it performs in general. I do understand your point though. I think you are saying for the price, you simply wish it had more finish and more modern components. You do make some interesting points.
As I'm sure you know, in technology, it's often the software that typically chases the hardware. Fractal has been fine tuning that software with regular patches for the last decade. Strong hardware is useless if the software can't use it. That is why some cars today can have more powerful and be more fuel efficient with a 4-cyclinder, than an 8 cylinder from 10 years ago. The software management and supporting systems are simply more developed. In many ways, the old engines might even be better (more reliable.) New does not always mean better.
The strengths of the AXFIII also has a lot to do with the other components, IR's, models, etc. This ecosystem is vast and incredible- that alone almost justifies the price. My point is that the sum of all of this development and 10+ years of updates results in a superior product- not perfect (none are) but superior in many ways IMO. It's little brother, FM3 is only ~$999 so it could represent a good relative value (much weaker CPU though.)
The I/O options on the AFxIII are vast. In general, you can simply do things with this unit that you can't with many other units. If I had to guess, Fractal will release a new and updated unit in the next year or so. I suspect it will bring the interface on the machine up to date (e.g., bigger, higher resolution touchscreen with more intuitive navigation, etc.) You did a good review of the axe-edit. It's truly an impressive piece of software that offers incredible tone control.
When it comes to options, I think less would be more- too many choices is not necessary and discourages people from using the unit IMO. Maybe limit it to half as many tone parameter option- it will still be a lot! As you pointed out, probably 80% of the users will never use most of these parameters so it's overly complex.
Ideally, the next, updated offering will have more power (either the FM3, AFXIII or a hybrid bridge unit (that I really hope is coming!) It would be ideal if a new offering bridges the gap between the FM3 and the AFXIII e.g., more CPU and more footswitch's. It should be simpler to use, with fewer, but very high quality effects options (read less intimidating and more user friendly.) This type of unit would be super popular. I think they limited the FM3 in many ways to avoid hurting sales of the AFXIII. With either unit, I really don't like the idea of having to buy footswitches after investing so much in either of these products. On the FM3 you can do a lot with 3 buttons but it's too much tap dancing.
Thanks for your details review!
Hey thanks for posting your info there. You're right of course (one of the many comments) about the firmware and other software and cost etc. But to sort of state the obvious, both Kemper and Line6 (not to mention even Boss these days) also update their firmware with additions all the time as also the software editors and for substantially lower cost for the gear than the FX series. Clearly the Axe-FX series does offer much that the others offer less of. But for most ordinary players my guess is that 'less is more' if you will, is a marketing advantage because those 'easier to use' products are more suited to the masses. In any case a very good contribution to the posts and thanks for taking the time to do it!.
@@tonymckenzieofficial No worries Tony- glad to share my thoughts. Yes, the competitors need to release updates (actually many bug fixes- like automotive compound) whereas Fractal is applying the finishing polish- so there is a difference. They also have about 10 years of such frequent releases behind them which is another difference. Bottom line- they are very far ahead in the products development lifecycle. I agree that less can be more- but it's also nice to have options...especially with any pro level product that costs well over $1,000. A user can simply choose to go with pre-installed patches or create simple patches and stop there.
I think the current leader for cost/benefit "value" and tone has to be the Fractal FM3. That said, I am looking forward to what (hardware) the capable Fractal team releases next. If history is repeated, it probably will not be the cheapest but it will likely be quite great.
I liked your videos and took some good value out of it...especially pointing out the age of the CPU and the statement that it might not be that it is so powerful, but that the others might have been quite anemic...or something along those lines. Great point. Also, for the amount of $, it is reasonable to expect better components. Maybe that is why the warranty is relatively short. At this price, honestly one should not have to purchase an additional warranty. I find that disappointing. It should be a lifetime or 10 year defect warranty excluding abuse, drops, physical damage. Given the components you pointed out- it's easy to see why the warranty is relatively short. It does suggest a lack of long term confidence. Still- a great product but pricey.
Same with Kemper you have to pay extra for the footswitch . And they all should come powered.
I sold the fx III for the fan…it makes a lot of noise, i understand that….
They had a number of fixes I believe, but it always seemed to be noisy when I looked at it. Fan in the FM3 is quiet... but of course a different beast. Thanks for the info and for watching.
Ridiculously! I just bought a new noiseless data fan and plugged it in and it was quiet.